Defender has endured a ‘frustrating’ Merseyside stint
Former Rangers right back Nathan Patterson has been linked with a move from Everton to Eintracht Frankfurt - and Celtic defender Alistair Johnston could be the man to replace him.
Patterson, 24, signed for the Toffees from Rangers in 2022 for around £11m after coming through the youth ranks at Ibrox. The Scotland international showed early signs of promise but has largely struggled for minutes since his Merseyside switch, making only 56 Premier League appearances in four years. As his lack of game time continued on into last season, his future at the club remains uncertain, as manager David Moyes looks into other options at fullback.
One of which is Johnston, 27, who strong World Cup with Canada has only multiplied his list of potential suitors away from Parkhead. The Hoops defender has been linked with a Premier League switch, with both Everton and Fulham reportedly interested.
Patterson has struggled to make his mark on the Everton starting XI.placeholder image
Patterson has struggled to make his mark on the Everton starting XI. | Getty Images
Patterson attracts Bundesliga ‘interest’ amid Everton exit rumours
According to Everton Roundtable: “Everton full-back Nathan Patterson is attracting interest from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, who are pursuing a deal to secure his signature. Patterson played just 240 minutes in the Premier League last season for Everton and has only managed to start 29 Premier League games since he joined the club from Rangers.”
The defender has struggled with injuries throughout his Everton career which has also hindered his development. When he was originally signed by former boss Rafael Benitez, the young prodigy was expected be the long term replacement of experienced campaigner Seamus Coleman, however now that the Irishman has retired this looks unlikely. Centre back Jake O’Brien was often preferred to Patterson last season despite playing out of position.
As for Frankfurt, they’re looking for more options at full back following the £42m sale of Nathaniel Brown to Bayern Munich. Adi Hutter’s side finished a disappointing eighth place in the Bundesliga last season and are vying to bounce back strongly for the upcoming campaign.
Johnston is on Everton's shortlist of transfer targets at fullback.placeholder image
Johnston is on Everton's shortlist of transfer targets at fullback. | Getty Images
Everton target Johnston to fill potential void
Should Patterson leave for Germany, it would free up a spot at full back for a new addition. Johnston has been identified as a potential Toffees target, however the club are also reportedly looking at West Ham stopper Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
According to the Sun: “Everton could also attempt to bring Hoops ace Alistair Johnston to the Premier League - as boss David Moyes weighs up a bid for the Canadian. The 27-year-old has already been linked with a summer move to Fulham and O’Neill is braced for EPL bids.”
Since signing from MLS side Montreal in January 2023, Johnston has been a mainstay at right back for Celtic when fit and with nine major honours to his name at Parkhead, he’s proved to be a standard setter in recent years. The defender has scored seven goals in his 122 Hoops appearances to date. To add to this, he played every minute of Canada’s World Cup campaign, helping them reach the last 16 of the competition for the first time in their history.
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