If a report from Sky Sports Scotland is believed to be true, Everton are closing in on Rangers sensation Nathan Patterson over a potential January swoop. The Toffees failed to secure his services back in summer but are back this time with an improved offer worth up to £16m.
Meanwhile, the Light Blues are set to receive a club-record £12m fee upfront with further add-ons of around £4m. The 20-year-old right fullback has been the understudy to skipper James Tavernier since being promoted to the senior set-up from the academy ranks and a move to Merseyside should serve the purpose for all parties involved.
Although the Gers starlet has been exquisite in limited minutes, Tavernier’s attacking expertise and set-piece traits can’t be compromised immediately. Patterson had to stay patient for a few more years before securing a starting status for his boyhood club and the Everton transfer might earn him an instant Premier League exposure with veteran Seamus Coleman fast approaching the twilight of a glittering career. Jonjoe Kenny has been a fringe name whose current deal would expire in summer 2022 and the young Scotland international, therefore, should cement a regular role in the long run.
Why Patterson’s Exit Has Handed Rangers A Massive Boost Going Forward
Rangers, on the other hand, have spent a hefty amount in recent years to reconstruct the squad. The coronavirus outbreak, followed by a shocking exit from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, led to a significant financial loss and the club had to generate funds from player sales to avoid the conundrum. They have sacrificed their prized asset for monetary reasons which, however, makes absolute sense given the uncertainty over matchday revenue in the wake of another Covid wave.
Patterson is rated highly back in his homeland and has earned a key role in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad. He has also featured as a makeshift left-back for the Glasgow giants in the absence of Borna Barisic but has made only two Premiership starts halfway through the 2021-22 campaign. Versatile Leon Balogun is experienced enough to deputize Tavernier, whereas Filip Helander’s return in deep defence would see Calvin Bassey challenging Barisic for first-team football.
Having said that, the Gers must concentrate on bolstering themselves in the heart of the backline. Although Nikola Katic (currently on loan at Prva HNL) deserves an opportunity to reclaim his place overcoming the injury nightmare, the likelihood of Connor Goldson’s exit on Bosman might lead to a crisis unless they rope in a like-for-like replacement in due course of time.
