Nathan Patterson left Rangers as one of the brightest talents to emerge from Auchenhowie in years. Everton paid a huge fee and many supporters expected the Scotland international to establish himself in the Premier League. Instead, injuries and a lack of opportunities have stalled his progress. Now, with Rangers reportedly monitoring his situation, the idea of a Nathan Patterson Rangers return suddenly looks more realistic than ever.
Dickov makes a strong case
Former Scotland striker Paul Dickov has weighed in on the debate and his argument is difficult to ignore. He believes Patterson has reached the stage of his career where regular football matters more than anything else. Furthermore, Dickov suggested a return to familiar surroundings at Ibrox could reignite the defender’s career after several frustrating years on Merseyside.
From a Rangers perspective, that assessment feels accurate. Patterson has never lacked talent. He showed that during his breakthrough in Glasgow and he has continued to impress whenever Everton have handed him chances. However, he has started only a handful of Premier League matches and remains far from first choice. Consequently, questions about his future continue to grow louder around Rangers.
Sheffield interest complicates matters
Of course, Rangers will not enjoy a free run at any deal. Reports south of the border continue to suggest that English clubs are watching Patterson’s position closely. Sheffield United have appeared in transfer speculation surrounding the defender before and any Championship side with promotion ambitions would see obvious value in a player of his pedigree.
Therefore Rangers must decide how serious they really are. Monitoring a situation is one thing. Making a move is another entirely. If Patterson becomes available at a sensible price then competition could increase rapidly. After all, clubs across Britain know exactly what he can offer when fully fit.
Moreover, English football still carries significant appeal for players seeking to prove themselves at a higher level week after week in the Premier League.
Rangers need succession planning
The situation becomes even more interesting when viewed through the lens of Rangers’ own squad planning. James Tavernier’s era has either ended or sits very close to its conclusion depending on how events unfold. Rangers need a long term solution on the right side of defence.
Patterson understands the demands of the club. He knows the pressure. He knows the supporters. Just as importantly, he knows what it means to wear the shirt.
That familiarity carries real value. Rangers have signed too many players in recent years who needed months to understand the expectations at Ibrox. Patterson would not require that adjustment period.
A transfer that feels increasingly logical
The reality remains that no concrete bid has emerged. Nevertheless, the pieces appear to fit together. Everton may look to cash in on a player entering the final year of his contract while Rangers need quality in a key position. Meanwhile, Dickov’s public backing only adds further momentum to the discussion according to the latest reporting.
Whether it happens remains unclear. Yet if Rangers genuinely want a player who understands the club and still has his best years ahead of him, a Nathan Patterson Rangers return may prove too tempting to ignore.