Everton have made their second signing of the January transfer window having completed the acquisition of Nathan Patterson from Scottish champions Rangers.
The 20-year-old joins the blue side of Merseyside for an undisclosed fee but according to reports the price is initially £11M which can potentially rise to £16M with add-ons.
Patterson came through the Rangers academy and has been at the club since 2009.
He only made 27 competitive appearances for the club though with 11 of them coming this campaign.
At just 20 years old he is seen as very much one for the future having signed a five-and-a-half-year deal but with Seamus Coleman being 33 years old he will also need to be ready for the present at Everton.
Also, Patterson is a full international having made six appearances for Scotland with one goal to his name which came against Moldova.
Having made five appearances in the league last season under then manager Steven Gerrard Patterson therefore has a league winners medal and as well as this he has experience in Europe having played in the Europa League Group Stages four times.
So, at just 20 years old he already has some invaluable experience which should help him at Everton where he will wear the number 3.
On joining the club Patterson said: “It was an easy choice to sign. This is a massive club with huge history and the fanbase is tremendous.
“Obviously we aren’t in the place where we want to be right now but we can definitely get there with the talent in the changing room and staff here, and I have full belief we can do that.”
Best known for his attacking play Patterson described how he wants to play at the club saying: “Athleticism, desire and strong challenges, along with good forward play.
“I am an attacking full-back. I love getting forward and creating chances to benefit the team. I can’t wait for it.”
He is also excited to be joining up with Rafa Benitez as he said to Everton’s website: “It was great knowing the manager really wanted me and that made my decision, to be honest.
“The first question he asked was, ‘Are you ready?’, which is a good sign.
“I am just really looking forward to working under him and can’t wait to get started.”
Everton’s next game is in the FA Cup at Hull City on the 8th January so it is likely that Patterson will make his debut for the club in the cup possibly as well as other new signing Vitaliy Mykolenko.
Currently sat in 15th in the table Everton’s next league game is at home to Leicester City on 11th January.
Image Credit: Everton FC
