Carlisle United Football Club are delighted to confirm that midfielder Will Patching will join the club on a two-and-a-half-year contract once the January transfer window opens.
Patching, 26, was at Manchester City from the age of six until 20. During that time, he was involved in the young age groups at England and represented the Three Lions in the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile.
Following his release from the Etihad, he joined Notts County for one season before making the move to Ireland.
He joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Dundalk ahead of their 2020 season, before heading to Derry City, initially on loan, in 2021.
He returned to Dundalk and scored in both legs of their Europa Conference League play-off game whilst also featuring in the majority of their League of Ireland games that season.
The midfielder then returned to Derry on a permanent basis ahead of the 2022 season and leaves the club having made over 130 appearances, scoring 35 goals.
Head Coach, Mike Williamson said: “Will is a really exciting signing, he brings experience and a technical quality that will improve us.
“He brings a skillset that will get fans excited, we just need to manage him over these next few weeks and almost get another pre-season into him to make sure he’s ready to go.
“He’s been finished his season in Ireland for over a month, so we’ll need to do some work with him to get him back up to speed.
“We’ve managed to beat off competition from a number of other clubs to get him in with us so we’re delighted.”
Sporting Director, Rob Clarkson said: “We are delighted to have agreed the signing of Will following the conclusion of his contract with Derry City.
“There was a lot of interest in Will both in England and over in Ireland, so we are really pleased he has chosen to join Carlisle United.
“He is a very talented midfield player and one I am sure the fans will enjoy watching when he officially joins us in January.”
This move is subject to ratification from the FA and EFL.
