Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sat 30 May 2026 10:10, UK

Rangers have been mooted to bring former defender Nathan Patterson back from Everton as they look to strengthen ahead of next season.

The Bears have been quick to show they are not standing still, bringing in Lawrence Shankland from Hearts to improve their firepower.

However, the opposite end of the pitch will need just as many incomings in the summer window.

Nasser Djiga has left after his loan expired, while James Tavernier’s contract at Ibrox has expired as well.

So, Rangers’ transfer business will require some defensive reinforcements, particularly at right-back, and Patterson is one of the options on the table.

Why Rangers will keep eye on Everton’s transfer business

Patterson is open to returning to Rangers, but despite being out of favour at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Seamus Coleman leaving the club, Everton are unlikely to allow the right-back to leave without a replacement.

Rangers, themselves, are also seeing a club-legend right-back go through the exit door with the aforementioned Tavernier putting an end to his Ibrox stay.

So, another right-back will certainly be on the agenda, and a move for Patterson would make plenty of sense.

The Toffees are seemingly beginning to make moves in the market, with concrete links to a number of right-backs over the last week.

David Moyes is looking to target Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham, with Sporting’s Georgios Vagiannidis another on their radar.

Everton are exploring a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka following West Ham's relegation. Likely to cost £8m-£10m.⚒️

🤝 @alex_crook pic.twitter.com/ynC5Gd2aT9

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 26, 2026

For Rangers, this means that once a deal is agreed, it could see a door for negotiations open up, and with Patterson already knowing the G51 outfit, a swift resolution could be found.

After starting just three times in the Premier League, the Scotsman will want his next move to provide him with more opportunities.

Andrew Cavenagh has also issued an emphasis on the Gers bringing in Scottish players to Ibrox as a priority – Patterson would tick that box – although moves for foreign talent are not off the cards entirely.

How the World Cup could complicate a move for Nathan Patterson

While getting deals done early would be ideal for Rangers, the World Cup could throw up some problems.

For one, Everton target Wan-Bissaka will be at the competition with DR Congo, while Patterson is away with Scotland.

If both national teams successfully qualify out of their groups, it could see a wait until July for any progress to be made.

The Round of 32 games kick off on 29 June and head into the start of July. Additionally, DR Congo’s final group game takes place in the early hours of 28 June at 1 am Glasgow time.

Patterson’s final group game is on the 24 June, so if Scotland fail to progress, he could be available to agree to a transfer before July.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.