Everton ready to sell player Rafa Benitez hailed as ‘the future of the club’ in January
Everton are going into the January transfer window in a far better position than they were this time last season.
In December 2024, Sean Dyche was under big pressure on Merseyside, with his side sitting on 11 points after 13 Premier League games.
Dyche was replaced by David Moyes a month later, and under the guidance of the Scot, the Toffees have seven more points in the top-flight than at this stage last season.
Everton will now look to kick on when the window reopens, with the aim of advancing up the Premier League table in the second half of the campaign.
Everton make decision on Nathan Patterson
Everton will be desperate to hold onto the likes of Iliman Ndiaye in the January transfer window, as they look to build on the solid squad that they already have.
However, the Merseyside outfit could offload some of their fringe players to free up funds for potential new signings.
According to The Athletic, Everton are weighing up the prospect of making Nathan Patterson available for a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium when the window reopens.
The 24-year-old full-back has not featured in the Premier League for Moyes’ side so far this season, and has been out injured since the middle of October.
Nathan Patterson was loved by Rafa Benitez
Everton signed Patterson from Rangers back in January 2022 for an initial fee of £12million, while Rafa Benitez was still in charge of the club.
The former Toffees boss was clearly a big fan of the Scottish defender, and even labelled him as “the future of the club” following his move to Merseyside.
Speaking about Patterson, as well as Vitalii Mykolenko who joined Everton around the same time, Benitez said: “Bringing in these two young players with energy, they can go forward and attack, is key for the future of the club.”
Benitez was sacked by the Toffees shortly after Patterson joined, and the Scot has had limited first-team chances since.
Patterson almost left Everton on loan over the summer, but a move to Sevilla collapsed on deadline day.
The former Rangers man could now be set for a permanent departure from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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