Everton's Nathan Patterson showcased his talents on the World Cup stage, but his future appears to lie away from Goodison Park as the summer transfer window approaches.
World Cup Opportunity
Patterson came off the bench with 15 minutes remaining in Scotland's crucial World Cup opener against Haiti, replacing first-choice right-back Aaron Hickey. The Everton man performed diligently as the Scots held on for their first World Cup victory in 36 years.
This appearance was his fourth for Scotland since March 28, yet during the same period, his only Everton outing was an 89th-minute substitute appearance in the 3-3 draw with Manchester City. This stark contrast underscores his limited prospects at club level.
Everton's Right-Back Priority
Everton supporters widely identify right-back as the priority position for the summer window. Jake O'Brien performed admirably when deployed there under David Moyes, but it became clear that a natural right-back is needed to progress, allowing O'Brien to compete for his preferred centre-back role.
The Blues are already linked with several right-backs, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raoul Bellanova, and Guela Doue. Patterson, once seen as the long-term successor to Seamus Coleman, has fallen down the pecking order.
Injury-Hit Spell
Signed from Rangers for £16 million in January 2022, Patterson was expected to eventually replace the long-serving Coleman. However, a series of serious injuries hampered his development, and Moyes became the latest manager to overlook him when fit during the 2025-26 campaign.
Patterson impressed in wins at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa but soon lost his place to O'Brien. He came close to loan moves to Sevilla in August and Genoa in January, and will hope a strong World Cup boosts his chances of securing regular first-team football.
Interest Growing
Interest in Patterson is already building, with the ECHO understanding he is on the radar of top-flight clubs in several leagues. Graeme Sharp, the Everton goalscoring legend, discussed his compatriot's situation.
"He'll be looking at this as an ideal opportunity to either show David Moyes he's ready to play or be in the shop window," Sharp said. "I know there's been rumours about Rangers again but for Nathan, it's not been a great season for him, but what an opportunity. He could be on the sunbed somewhere; now he's in the World Cup finals. Wow. I know what I would want to do."
Sharp added: "If I'm being brutally honest I think he's struggled a little bit and I don't think the injuries have helped him. Obviously he hasn't had a continuous run in the team. The manager's playing Jake O'Brien who's a centre-back at right-back and he's done well the kid so it's been hard for Nathan. But certainly the injuries haven't helped him. I think if he stays injury free and gets a run of games, I think he'll do okay and I think he'll do all right."
Patterson made his mark on Sunday and will now hope for a starting place when Scotland face Morocco on Friday.
