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Rangers' View On Patterson Everton Transfer

Rangers Sporting Director Ross Wilson says Everton is the “right destination” for gifted young defender Nathan Patterson.

Scotland international Patterson completed a move to Goodison Park on Tuesday following negotiations stretching back to last summer.

Wilson, who reserved praise for the “genuine class” of Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright during discussions over the transfer, joined Rangers in October 2019 and immediately singled out right-back Patterson as a future star.

The 20-year-old player began making good on that promise with a role in Rangers’ invincible title-winning campaign last term and subsequent senior international recognition.

“Nathan is someone I’ve placed a lot of faith in since I joined Rangers,” Wilson told his club’s official website.

“We saw top potential in him and I’ve enjoyed working with him and seeing him develop every day.

“Nathan is supported brilliantly by his family and, as Rangers fans, I know they are extremely proud of his Rangers achievements.


“In terms of the detail of the transfer, I have been in discussions with Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright for a number of weeks. It has been a pleasure to deal with Bill – a man who represents his club with genuine class.

"It is true that there were previous discussions last summer but we were always clear that in our model players will only leave at the right time and for the right number.

“We have now established a significant club record and there will be even further financial incentives for Rangers as Nathan’s Everton career evolves.

“We were very clear in these discussions that Nathan is a player and person who we hold in the highest regard and the deal had to represent a club record for Rangers.

“Since I joined the club, I’ve been clear that we would be strong in the market and our chairman and board have been prepared to reject some significant sums for our players, whilst we have all acknowledged that we would sell the right player at the right time for the right value. I must say in this case, also, this is the correct destination.”

Patterson’s talent was identified early by his national set-up, the player attending a Scottish FA Performance School and representing his country from Under-17 level onwards.

We have all acknowledged that we would sell the right player at the right time for the right value. I must say in this case, also, this is the correct destination.
Ross Wilson


He made a Rangers debut aged 18 – a decade after signing for the Glasgow club – and won instant favour with supporters for a buccaneering style on the right flank.

An official Rangers statement following Patterson’s exit noted the enormous impression created by the player as he advanced through the club’s academy and revisited a series of exceptional performances in last season’s Europa League knockout stage.

Patterson, said the statement, “departs the club for the Premier League with the best wishes of everyone at the club”.

Rangers transfer kingmaker Wilson supported that sentiment.

“Our Academy staff can be proud of the role they’ve played in Nathan’s development,” said Wilson.

“We are proud of Nathan, he leaves as a champion and I will follow every step of his career and journey and he will always be connected to Rangers. I am sure we will see him back supporting the lads at Ibrox soon.”

Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson added: “We are delighted for Nathan and his family, wish them all the best for the future and they will always be welcome back at Ibrox.”