Scotland defender Nathan Patterson has completed a permanent transfer from Everton to Torino. The 24-year-old right-back has signed a three-year deal with the Serie A club for a fee reported to be around £1million.
Patterson's move adds to a growing Scottish presence in Italy's top division. He will become the eighth Scotland international currently playing in Serie A, joining the likes of Che Adams, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, and Kieron Bowie.
Nathan Patterson arrives in Italy with significant experience for his age. He made 68 appearances for Everton after joining from Rangers in a £11million move back in January 2022. At international level, he has earned 29 caps for Scotland and started in high-profile matches against Morocco and Brazil during the recent World Cup. His pace and attacking instincts from full-back are seen as key attributes for a Torino side that has begun the new Serie A season with consecutive defeats and is looking to solidify its defense.
The transfer structure includes a 30 per cent sell-on clause for Everton, ensuring the Premier League club benefits from any future profit. Patterson's arrival in Italy this week signals Torino's intent to address their early-season form quickly.
Steve Clarke's Scotland side currently sits third in their World Cup qualifying group with three points from three games. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in June. With one goal scored and four conceded so far in the campaign, defensive solidity is a clear focus. Patterson's regular football in a competitive league like Serie A will be vital for his national team prospects, especially with a key away match against Slovenia later this month.
The team trails group leaders Brazil by four points in the standings.
The Scottish contingent in Serie A is now a notable story. Che Adams, Scott McTominay, and Billy Gilmour bring Premier League pedigree, while Lewis Ferguson has established himself as a key figure at Bologna. Younger talents like Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, and Kieron Bowie are also developing their careers in Italy. This collective experience in one of Europe's top leagues provides Steve Clarke with a group of players tested at the highest level week in, week out.
Patterson's switch follows a familiar path for British players seeking a new challenge abroad. His adaptation to Italian football will be watched closely by the Scotland management as they build towards future qualifiers. The defender has signed his contract with Torino until the summer of 2029.
