Derry City complete loan signing of Will Patching from Dundalk

The 22 year-old former Manchester City Academy player has a year remaining on his current deal at Oriel Park but will join Derry on an initial six month loan.

Derry will then have an option to buy the former Notts County midfielder after his short term loan expires in the summer.

The midfielder came through the Manchester City youth academy before joining Notts County and he was capped by England at under-16, 17 and 18 level.

Patching signed for the Lilywhites at the end of 2019 and made nine appearances in a stop-start summer, his debut coming against Derry City at Oriel Park in the opening game last season.

There is clearly more to come from the well-regarded 22-year old and Declan Devine was certainly pleased to be welcoming him to the Brandywell this morning.

“We’ve been looking to add creativity to our midfield over the winter and Will brings that in spades," said Devine.

“He is a young lad with so much to offer and I’m delighted to bring him to Derry City. Will is here on loan from Dundalk until July with the option to become a permanent signing after that.

“His game time was limited last year because of competition for places. I want him to get back to enjoying his football and to being the dynamic player that he is and from what I’ve seen so far he will be a fantastic asset for this club.”