Everton may be faced with a first-team departure this transfer window
Everton returned to winning ways for the first time in 2026 on Sunday as David Moyes’ side became the first team to leave Villa Park with all three points since August.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side were beaten 1-0 by a stout defensive display and a calm second-half finish by Thierno Barry to decide the result, as the Toffees returned to Merseyside back into the Premier League top half once again.
Though a surprise shot at Europe is not out of the question, consolidation away from any relegation worries was the aim for Moyes this campaign in his first full season since returning to Everton.
The Toffees will have the chance to add to their squad this month as the January transfer window continues to be open for business, though they may find themselves also having to sanction exits from the club amidst latest reports that an Everton star is getting closer to an exit.
Nathan Patterson exit ‘closer’ amid Moyes stance
La Liga side Sevilla have reportedly joined the race for the defender, amidst a ‘growing feeling’ he could be allowed to leave Hill Dickinson Stadium. Having made just four starts all season, Patterson started on Sunday at Villa Park following current defensive injury issues.
As such, reporting continues that he remains in Moyes’ plans at present due to Everton’s lack of depth at right-back. Jake O’Brien has often played a make-shift role on the right side of defence, with the club aiming to sign a new right-back either in January or at the end of the season. Arsenal’s Ben White has been linked but the Gunners are thought to be unwilling to sell any senior players in mid-season.
Rangers are said to be ‘unlikely’ to sign Patterson despite links with a return to Ibrox, where he came through the youth ranks before an £11million move to Everton in January 2022. His Toffees career has not gone to plan thus far due to injury issues and a lack of first-team opportunities, leading to reported interest this month from Serie A clubs and Sevilla in a winter move.
Patterson exit could depend on defensive incomings
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke told their Transfer Insider podcast: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Patterson ends up leaving Everton. There’s been reported interest from Sevilla in Spain and also some clubs in Italy as well.
“But Patterson right now is probably needed by Everton because they’ve got a few injury problems. Jake O’Brien has been filling in there all season, but he’s been moved to centre-back while Michael Keane is suspended.
“David Moyes doesn’t want to weaken his squad. We know Everton long-term are in the market for a new right-back. A lot could depend on what Everton do in the market. Right back has been a problem position for them this season.”
Whether Moyes’ decision to start Patterson at Villa Park, where he put in a commendable display, reflects his intention to keep his fellow Scotsman in Merseyside remains to be seen. Everton will look to avoid weakening the options available to Moyes further and so any outgoings may depend heavily on who they can bring in this month.