Earlier today, Everton announced the signing of Nathan Patterson from Rangers in a deal worth £16m – a club-record sale for the Gers.
It represents fantastic business, especially as the 20-year-old wasn’t even Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first choice at right-back.
In completing the sale, Rangers have also made their bitter rivals Celtic look a bit silly.
What’s the story?
Well, back in August, Celtic announced the departure of Odsonne Edouard, who joined Crystal Palace in a deal worth £14m.
Immediately, we can’t help but feel that figure now looks a bit low, given the fact Patterson – a second choice right-back – sold for £2m more.
Of course, Edouard only had one year remaining on his contract at the time.
Nevertheless, it feels like a mismanagement of assets. After all, the Frenchman is only 23, had scored 86 goals for Celtic, and had also proven himself capable of scoring in Europe.
Since his move from Paris Saint-Germain, a number of leading Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal – were linked with Edouard (The Times).
So, to receive just £14m for him was poor business, in our view.
Rangers have made Celtic look silly
In our view, Patterson isn’t worth £16m.
However, what Rangers have done differently to Celtic is sell their asset at the right time, and also at a time where bids are at an optimum.
Surely, there was a time when Celtic could’ve made upwards of £20m for Edouard, but decided to keep the striker at Parkhead.
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t mean much, as both players have now left Scottish football for the Premier League.
In terms of bragging rights, however, Rangers have certainly got some new material.
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