“Nathan Patterson is at the age where you have to be playing football”

Michael Kenrick | 14/05/2026 4comments | Jump to last

Jordan Pickford and Nathan Patterson react during a match between Everton and Leeds United at Hill Dickinson Stadium in January 2026

(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Everton right back Nathan Patterson could ‘reignite’ his career by returning to Rangers, according to former Manchester City striker Paul Dickov.

Patterson, who is now 24, has only made three Premier League starts all season as David Moyes replicates the treatment he has received under previous Everton managers since arriving at the club after a strangely over-valued £11M transfer from Rangers in January 2021.

Dickov believes Patterson could be a natural replacement for departing captain James Tavernier and that the familiar ‘surroundings’ of Glasgow can help his career get back on track.

“Nathan Patterson is at the age where you have to be playing football.

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"He’s had some unfortunate injuries, but now that he’s back, he needs game time. There’s no doubting his ability, he’s a top young defender, and a move back to Rangers would be good for him.

"If he’s available, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of clubs interested in him. But I think a move back to Rangers where he’s comfortable and in surroundings he knows, could reignite his career.”

Back in March, Patterson said he spoke to Moyes about his lack of playing time:

“I know I’m fully fit and ready to play. Hopefully I can get some minutes. Obviously you want to play as much as you can but it's not really up to me, I can only do what I can on the pitch. That’s a discussion for myself and the manager to have [on his future]."

Original Source: Glasgow World

Reader Comments (4)

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John Pickles
1 Posted 14/05/2026 at 09:41:54

Rangers might be a good move.

It can't be too difficult to improve a team that finishes third in a two horse race!

Scott Robinson
2 Posted 14/05/2026 at 09:50:14

Although I don't see Paterson train, the fact that we have a natural right back and Moyes insists on playing a central defender there really gripes with me. Paterson filled in wonderfully against Forest when Everton won 2-1. His lack of game time since is perplexing.

A combination of Keane/Tarkowski with Obrien at CH with Paterson on the right wing might have brought better results than the dismal run we are in and could've cost us European places, such is the goals Everton have been conceding late in the game.

Lee Courtliff
3 Posted 14/05/2026 at 10:15:09

Harshly treated imo, he did well when called upon in Dec/Jan.

John Collins
4 Posted 14/05/2026 at 10:25:35

You will be able to judge Pattersons quality by the clubs that come in for him.

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