Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Wed 13 May 2026 13:00, UK

Nathan Patterson’s career at Everton has stalled over the past few years, with a return to Rangers being tipped as the ideal next move.

The full-back, who looks set to be part of Scotland’s World Cup squad this summer, left Rangers for Everton in an £11million move four-and-a-half years ago.

Patterson has started just 29 Premier League games over that period, and just three in both the past two campaigns.

Not helped by a lengthy injury issue, Patterson has struggled to nail down a starting spot under David Moyes on Merseyside and is only afforded occasional minutes here and there.

And Patterson has now been urged to consider a return to Rangers should the opportunity arise this summer.

Paul Dickov would like to see Nathan Patterson at Rangers

Patterson being linked with a Rangers return is nothing new, but circumstances for both parties have changed a lot in recent weeks.

First, it was confirmed that James Tavernier will be leaving Rangers when his contract expires next month.

Signing a replacement, not just positionally but also someone who has experience and ‘gets the club’, is going to be key.

That is where Patterson comes into the equation. What helps Rangers is that the defender has just 12 months to run on his contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

It is clear he is not fancied on Merseyside and so it surely would not take a massive offer to bring him back.

Dickov would certainly welcome the move, as he is quoted by the Daily Record as saying: “Nathan Patterson is at the age where you have to be playing football.

“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.”

Patterson ranks number one for Rangers’ most valuable graduates

As per Transfermarkt data, Patterson’s career-high valuation of £14m is the highest of any player to have come through Rangers’ academy.

Next on that list is Ross McCormack on £8.7m, followed by Alan Hutton (£7.8m), Allan McGregor and Barry Ferguson (both £7.4m).

Market value on Transfermarkt does not always reflect how much a player is actually worth, so it is important to take these figures with a pinch of salt.

However, it does offer an indication of just how good Patterson once was – and indeed still could be at the right home.

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