Everton’s productive start to the transfer window continued today as the long rumoured arrival of 20 year-old Ranger’s right-back Nathan Patterson was made official for a reported £12m, with add-ons possibly taking the deal to £16m.
Patterson didn’t hold back his excitement to have signed for the toffee’s as he told Everton’s twitter account, “I’m over the moon to sign for Everton and looking forward to getting started. It was an easy choice to sign. This is a massive club with huge history and the fanbase is tremendous.” Interestingly, part of that huge history is a tradition of some excellent Ranger’s players making the switch to Goodison Park. If he can have as good an Everton career as the likes of Duncan Ferguson then it will no doubt be an excellent signing, even if they’ve given a right back the number 3 shirt…
The signing comes following strong links during last summer’s transfer window where multiple sources including Fabrizio Romano reported that bids were made. Marcel Brands wanted to finally resolve the right-back issue which has resulted in club legend and captain Seamus Coleman playing far too much this season and identified Patterson as the top target after Denzel Dumfries chose Inter Milan.
Whoever is currently making the transfer decisions at Everton agreed, and there is optimism that Patterson can make an immediate impact providing some much needed assistance to Seamus. The FA Cup tie this Saturday against Hull City would appear to provide the perfect opportunity for him to be introduced into the starting line-up.
However, it is important that not too much pressure is put on such a young man with very limited professional experience. Patterson currently has 27 professional appearances due to playing the same role as the Ranger’s captain, James Tavernier. But, he is a very forward-thinking full back, who loves a challenge and has the fire about him that often gets Goodison Park rocking. Football Manager particularly rate his physical attributes, which can provide some much needed dynamism to an often immobile backline. He is extremely highly rated and importantly his signing appears to have given the Everton fanbase somewhat of a boost amidst extremely disappointing recent form.
With a lot of time in the transfer window still to come it will be intriguing to see what happens next, particularly regarding the currently out-of-favour Lucas Digne. An addition in midfield should be Benitez’s next priority so that Everton can finally begin to play with three central midfielders.
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