Rangers are reportedly weighing up a move to bring Nathan Patterson back to Ibrox, more than four years after the right-back left for Everton in a deal worth £14 million. The possibility of a return has quickly become a talking point, with the club seemingly exploring whether a familiar option could strengthen that area of the squad.
Patterson, now 24, emerged at Rangers before making the switch to the Premier League. Since joining Everton, however, his progress has been disrupted by a difficult spell with injuries. That record is central to any discussion over whether a reunion would be a smart piece of business.
From Rangers' point of view, the move has some obvious logic. Patterson already knows the club, the expectations at Ibrox and the demands that come with playing for a side expected to compete for trophies. A player returning with experience from a higher-profile league can also be an attractive option if the deal is financially workable.
At the same time, the risks are clear. Any club considering Patterson would need to be confident that his fitness issues are behind him, because availability is just as important as ability. On paper, a Rangers return has appeal, but whether it truly makes sense may come down to medical confidence and how much the club is willing to gamble on a player trying to get his career fully back on track.
