Rangers submit ₦9bn bid for Super Eagles defender tipped to replace James Tavernier

55-time SPFL winners Rangers have submitted a ₦9bn offer for a Super Eagles defender after they parted ways with club legend James Tavernier at the end of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 34-year-old announced he'd be bringing his 11-year stint at Ibrox to an end after the Gers lost out to Hearts and Celtic in the race for the SPFL.

In 565 games for Rangers, Tavernier scored 144 goals and provided148 assists, accruing the most goal contributions in history for a full-back. The gap at right-back now means the Scottish Giant have to find a worthy replacement for their outgoing captain.

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Rangers eye Alebiosu as James Tavernier replacement

Ryan Alebiosu came to the limelight when Eric Chelle included him in his Super Eagles squad to represent Nigeria at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Prior to the competition, the Blackburn Rovers wing-back had never been called up to the Nigerian National team. The 24-year-old made his debut against Uganda, the final group game, but he wasn't involved from that point on due to an injury.

Alebiosu returned to Blackburn and became one of their most important players in the run-in as they fought to remain in the EFL Championship. He scored one goal and provided five assists as the Rovers finished 20th on the league table, five points above the relegation zone.

As per Sportsboom, Rangers are preparing to submit a formal offer to Blackburn to secure Alebiosu's services, and the Championship side are set to be demanding around £5m (₦9bn).

Danny Rohl's side face a real possibility of starting the 2026/27 season without a right-back with Max Aarons set for a Bournemouth return, after he spent the last season with Rangers.

The Gers face stiff competition for Alebiosu's services as Italian Serie A side Genoa are also interested, having already attempted to sign the England-born Nigerian in the winter transfer window.

According to reports, Blackburn Rovers has placed a £5m price-tag on full-back Ryan Alebiosu this summer.

West Ham are one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in the 24-year-old.

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As per Rangers News, Alebiosu is close to agreeing personal terms with the 55-time SPFL winners. Still, he's not the only Nigerian who could join Emmanuel Fernandez at Ibrox this summer.

Cyriel Dessers' former side are also looking to sign Zalaegerszeg defender Akpe Victory, although the 19-year-old only just joined the Hungarian side during the winter transfer window after spending the previous year with Lithuanian side Banga Gargzdai.

Ryan Alebiosu wouldn't have a tough time adjusting to the demands of the Scottish League, having previously played for Kilmarnock and St Mirren in the past.