The transfer market isn’t as straightforward as Football Manager makes it out to be when it comes to buying and selling players.
Usually, on the cult simulator game, if you pay the right money, you get the player, however, it doesn’t take into account how one transfer can have a domino effect on others.
One such situation could arise in the Premier League where Everton are reported to be interested in right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United, a move that could have consequences for Auchenhowie graduate Nathan Patterson.
Nathan Patterson facing Everton exit as Rangers rebuild
The 22-year old Scotland international has had to miss the European Championships through injury and will be hoping to kick-start his career this season.
Veterans Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young were preferred by Sean Dyche at times last season and it is clear that the no-nonsense manager isn’t convinced by the Scot.
The arrival of Wan-Bissaka would push Patterson even further down the pecking order and, speaking in March during the last international break, it was clear that he was already a frustrated figure:
“Obviously I’m not playing as much as I would like to play but sometimes that’s just football and I’m not the type of person that will just give up.
“I’ll keep training hard and working hard and try and make sure I give myself the best opportunity to get game time.
“The last Euros was my first camp so it was a new experience for me. I was just really looking forward to take everything in and I’ve done that.
“I feel as if I’ve matured as a player and as a person as well so this time I’m looking forward to it again. Hopefully I can play more games and hopefully we can make it through the group and make it a better experience than last time.”
Rangers return should be considered for Patterson
It is a shame that it hasn’t quite worked out for Patterson, but it is a situation that Rangers could take advantage of.
Reports continue to grow about James Tavernier leaving this summer with even the future of the captaincy being discussed should he depart.
Dujon Sterling is the natural replacement, however, the early signs are that his future should be in the middle of midfield given the impact he made last season.
As a club-trained player, Patterson would be a welcome addition either on loan or a loan-to-buy deal, if the price was right.
Everton, given their finances, and the way that Patterson has been treated are far from being in a strong negotiating position.
In terms of risk, there is little to worry about in terms of Patterson as a player and his profile, he has also said that he has “unfinished business” at Rangers.
The only issue would be why he hasn’t been able to hold down a regular place – injuries.
Patterson has required surgery for his knee, ankle and now a hamstring injury and this would be the only yellow flag worth considering.
Should he become fourth choice at Goodison though, Nils Koppen should be picking up the phone.
