Nathan Patterson is a professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Premier League club Everton and the Scotland national team. As of January 30, 2026, Patterson remains a vital part of Everton’s squad under manager David Moyes, currently sporting the number 2 shirt with a contract running until June 30, 2027. Despite facing significant injury hurdles in the last two years—including a groin surgery in late 2025—he has successfully returned to first-team action, recently starting in Matchweek 23 of the 2025/26 season against Leeds United.
Early Life and Rangers Academy
Born on October 16, 2001, in Glasgow, Nathan Patterson joined the Rangers Youth Academy at the age of eight. His development was rapid, characterized by a transition from a slender midfielder to a powerful, overlapping full-back. He was a standout in the Rangers U19 side, notably scoring in the UEFA Youth League against Slovan Bratislava.
Patterson’s technical foundation was built on the “Ibrox blueprint,” emphasizing high-intensity pressing and precise crossing. By 2019, he was already training with the senior squad under Steven Gerrard, who famously dubbed him one of the most exciting young talents he had ever worked with.
Breakthrough at Ibrox (2020–2022)
Patterson made his senior debut on January 17, 2020, in a Scottish Cup match against Stranraer. However, his true “breakthrough” season occurred in 2020/21, where he acted as the primary deputy for club captain James Tavernier. During this season, Rangers won their first league title in a decade, going the entire campaign undefeated.
One of his most iconic moments at Rangers was scoring against Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Europa League, finding the net just 16.6 seconds after coming on as a substitute. This performance alerted major European scouts to his “lightning burst” of pace and clinical finishing ability from a defensive position.
The Everton Transfer and Premier League Transition
On January 4, 2022, Everton secured Patterson’s signature on a five-and-a-half-year deal. The transfer fee was reported at £11 million plus add-ons, potentially rising to £16 million, making it a record sale for Rangers at the time. He arrived alongside Vitalii Mykolenko as part of a strategic overhaul of Everton’s aging defensive flanks.
Tactical Role at Goodison Park
In the Premier League, Patterson has been utilized both as a traditional right-back in a back four and as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 system. His ability to track back and nullify elite wingers—notably his performance against Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma in 2023—has made him a fan favorite.
Overcoming Injury Obstacles
Patterson’s career has been a battle against physical setbacks. Since 2024, he has dealt with:
- Hamstring Tears: Sustained at Chelsea in April 2024, causing him to miss Euro 2024.
- Groin Surgery: A hernia-related issue in late 2025 that sidelined him for three months.
- Current Status: As of January 2026, he is fully fit and back in the starting XI, having played 90 minutes against Aston Villa earlier this month.
International Career: Scotland’s Rising Star
Nathan Patterson is a cornerstone of the “Golden Generation” of Scottish football. He made his full international debut in June 2021 against Luxembourg and quickly established himself as a starter over veteran Stephen O’Donnell.
Key International Moments
- First Goal: He scored his first international goal in a vital 2–0 win over Moldova in November 2021, a result that secured Scotland’s place in the World Cup play-offs.
- Euro 2020: He appeared as a substitute against Croatia at Hampden Park, becoming one of the youngest Scots to play in a major tournament.
- 2026 Outlook: With 23 caps as of early 2026, he is expected to be Scotland’s primary right-wingback for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
2025/26 Performance and Tactical Analysis
The 2025/26 campaign has been a season of recovery and tactical adaptation for Nathan Patterson. Under David Moyes’ defensive system at Everton, Patterson has transitioned from an out-and-out wing-back to a more disciplined “pressing full-back.” While his attacking output has been limited by a more cautious team approach, his underlying defensive numbers show a significant improvement in positioning and discipline.
Tactical Heatmap Analysis
Patterson’s 2026 heatmap shows a higher concentration of activity in the defensive third compared to his Rangers days. He is increasingly utilized to “shut down” inverted wingers, using his 6ft 0in frame and recovery speed to prevent crosses from the flank.
2026 Transfer Rumors: Sevilla and Beyond
As the February 3, 2026, winter transfer deadline approaches, Patterson has become a subject of intense speculation. Reports from mid-January suggest that La Liga giants Sevilla have entered the race to sign the Scotsman on an initial loan deal with an option to buy. The Spanish side is reportedly looking for a dynamic right-back to bolster their European push, viewing Patterson as a “high-upside” target whose career has been artificially slowed by injury.
Everton’s stance remains cautious; while they are open to a loan to help Patterson regain match sharpness, David Moyes is reportedly hesitant to weaken his defensive depth while Seamus Coleman (37) enters the twilight of his career. Interest from Serie A clubs Lazio and Bologna has also been registered, though no formal bids have been confirmed.
2026 Salary and Market Value
Despite his injury spells, Patterson’s market value has remained resilient due to his age and “homegrown” status.
- Market Value: Estimated at €16.6M (£14.1M) as of January 2026.
- Weekly Wage: Approximately £40,000, placing him in the mid-tier of Everton’s earners.
- Contract Status: Secured until June 30, 2027, giving Everton significant leverage in any upcoming transfer negotiations.
FAQs
Who does Nathan Patterson play for in 2026?
Nathan Patterson currently plays as a right-back for Everton FC in the Premier League and for the Scotland national team.
Is Nathan Patterson injured?
As of January 30, 2026, Patterson is fully fit. He recently returned to action after a groin injury and surgery in late 2025, starting in several recent matches.
What is Nathan Patterson’s jersey number?
He wears the number 2 shirt for Everton.
Will Nathan Patterson leave Everton in 2026?
There is significant interest from Sevilla, Lazio, and Bologna for a January loan move, but as of now, he remains an Everton player.
How many caps does Nathan Patterson have for Scotland?
Patterson has earned 23 senior caps for Scotland, scoring one goal.
How much did Everton pay for Nathan Patterson?
Everton signed him from Rangers in January 2022 for an initial fee of £11 million, which could rise to £16 million with add-ons.
What is Nathan Patterson’s height?
He is 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) tall.
Who is the manager of Everton in 2026?
David Moyes is the current manager of Everton, having returned to the club to lead their 2025/26 campaign.
How old is Nathan Patterson?
Born on October 16, 2001, he is currently 24 years old.
Did Nathan Patterson win a league title with Rangers?
Yes, he was part of the Rangers squad that won the Scottish Premiership in 2020/21 under Steven Gerrard.
Can Nathan Patterson play on the left?
While naturally a right-back or right-wingback, he has occasionally filled in at left-back for Scotland, though it is not his preferred position.
What is Patterson’s pace rating?
In technical scouting reports, Patterson is consistently rated in the top 10% of Premier League full-backs for sprint speed and acceleration.
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