Nathan Patterson in action for Everton in 2026

Nathan Patterson handed Serie A lifeline after difficult Everton spell

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Sep 6, 2026, 12:43 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Nathan Patterson has been given an opportunity to revive his career after leaving Everton for Torino late in the summer transfer window.

The Scotland international endured a frustrating spell on Merseyside, with injuries repeatedly disrupting his progress and preventing him from establishing himself as Everton’s regular right-back.

Patterson had not featured this season before completing his move to Torino, where the 24-year-old has signed a three-year contract.

Everton move labelled the ‘wrong choice’

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Patterson remained a popular figure inside the Everton dressing room despite his difficulties on the pitch.

However, the belief in Italy is that he never developed significantly from the promising young defender who initially emerged at Rangers.

His decision to join Everton is consequently described as the “wrong choice” for his career, with injuries and a lack of consistent football combining to stall his development.

Torino are now betting that a change of environment can finally unlock Patterson’s potential.

Torino prepared to give Patterson his chance

Sporting director Gianluca Petrachi reportedly viewed the opportunity to sign Patterson as one that Torino could not afford to overlook.

The Serie A club ultimately want the Scot to become a regular starter, although there is no expectation that he must immediately force his way into the team.

His three-year contract provides some breathing room as Patterson attempts to rebuild his fitness and confidence.

The defender shares Torino’s ambitions and is determined to eventually establish himself as a regular after struggling for consistent opportunities at Everton.

Scottish success stories offer encouragement

Patterson does not have to look far for evidence that moving to Serie A can revitalise a Scottish player's career.

New Torino teammate Che Adams has enjoyed a resurgence in Italy, while Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson and Kieron Bowie are also cited as examples of Scottish players who have flourished in Serie A.

Having Adams alongside him could be particularly valuable as Patterson adjusts to a new country, league and tactical environment.

Fitness remains the biggest question

Ultimately, Patterson’s success in Turin could depend heavily on whether he can finally put his injury problems behind him.

His physical qualities were part of what made him such an exciting prospect at Rangers, but repeated fitness setbacks prevented Everton from seeing them consistently.

Serie A could also prove better suited to Patterson tactically. The demands will be different from those he encountered in the Premier League, potentially giving him an environment in which he can rebuild his game without being asked to cover the same distances.

Key Points

  • Nathan Patterson has left Everton and signed a three-year contract with Torino.
  • His Everton spell was badly disrupted by injuries and a lack of regular football.
  • Reports in Italy suggest his move from Rangers to Everton ultimately proved the “wrong choice”.
  • Torino want Patterson to develop into a regular starter but are prepared to give him time.
  • Staying fit will be crucial if the 24-year-old is to revive his career in Serie A.

What’s Next?

Patterson’s immediate challenge will be getting himself fully fit and earning opportunities in Torino’s first team.

He is initially expected to provide a squad option rather than walk straight into the starting XI, but Torino believe there is still a player worth developing.

If Patterson can remain available and gradually establish himself, the move could provide the career reset that never materialised at Everton.

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