Charlie Patino took to the training pitch for the first time under the guidance of Deportivo de La Coruña coach Imanol Idiakez yesterday, marking the start of a new chapter in his career following his permanent move from Arsenal.

Patino, who was officially announced as a Deportivo player earlier this week, is settling into life at the Spanish Segunda Division club.

First day in blue and white for Charlie Patiño La Voz de Galicia (Pontevedra)28 Aug 2024 Charlie Patiño worked yesterday for the first time under the orders of Imanol Idiakez. The midfielder from Arsenal had special help when it came to assimilating the orders of the Deportivo coach. Nuke Mfulu, another of the candidates to join the core, was very attentive to his new partner. The Coruña squad will return to exercise today morning in Abegondo. which prevented the euphoria. On the other hand, in 1988, the team, which was marching at the bottom of the table, was urged to resort to the Bruxo, already in its third stage, to achieve a miraculous salvation on the horn. That stroke of luck changed the direction of the club, giving shape to a new project that included Gonzalo Mella, father of the current Deportivo player, and a young Fran González, accompanied by his brother Jose Ramón, among many others. In 1990, the team narrowly missed out on promotion again, losing 0-1 to Tenerife in the decisive match of promotion. It would not be until the 1990-91 season, sixteen years after the first relegation to the mud and after four great missed opportunities, that the Dépor regained the status of First. No one imagined that, soon, people would start talking about such a super. (Sunday, September 8, 18 hours) and they will have their cup debut on the 11th at the Atlético Villalonga field.
28 August 2024 La Voz de Galicia

Patino, who joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015, had been with the Gunners for nearly a decade, developing into one of the club’s most highly-rated young prospects.

However, with the competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield becoming increasingly fierce, the decision was made to allow Patino to move on permanently.

The transfer fee is reported to be around £1 million, with Arsenal securing a substantial sell-on clause, ensuring they benefit if Patino’s career takes off in Spain.

Charlie Patino with the Arsenal u23s against Crystal Palace (Photo via David Price on Twitter)
Charlie Patino with the Arsenal u23s against Crystal Palace (Photo via David Price on Twitter)

Tuesday’s training session at Abegondo was a first taste of Patino’s new reality.

Working under the watchful eye of coach Imanol Idiakez, Patino was closely monitored as he began to adapt to his new environment. He wasn’t alone in this transition; fellow new signing Nuke Mfulu was reportedly “particularly attentive”, helping Patino understand the coach’s instructions and offering support as they both integrate into the squad.

Patino’s move to Deportivo is not just a professional step but a personal one as well. The midfielder, who holds dual English and Spanish nationality, has family connections to A Coruña and has supported the club from a young age.

This affinity for Deportivo was highlighted by the Spanish side in their announcement, where they expressed their excitement at signing “one of the most talented and promising footballers in English football.”

Patino’s contract with Deportivo runs until 2028.

The 20-year-old midfielder brings with him the experience of playing in the English Championship, having spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Blackpool and the 2023-24 season at Swansea City.

At Blackpool, Patino made 37 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting four times.

Charlie Patino playing for Blackpool (Photo via Getty Images)
Charlie Patino playing for Blackpool (Photo via Getty Images)

His time at Swansea saw him contribute four goals and four assists in 35 appearances, though his playing time diminished after a red card in November and a subsequent managerial change.

Patino’s departure, while bittersweet for Arsenal fans, represents a pragmatic step for both the club and the player. Arsenal’s official statement praised Patino’s development and contributions during his time at the club, while also wishing him the best for his future in Spain.

Patino’s debut for Deportivo is eagerly anticipated by their fans, with the Spanish side hoping that the young midfielder can help them in their push for promotion to La Liga.

His technical abilities are well-suited to the style of play in Spain, and with the guidance of Imanol Idiakez, Patino has a solid foundation to build on. The presence of former Arsenal striker Lucas Pérez at Deportivo could also help ease Patino’s transition, offering a familiar face as he settles into his new surroundings.

As Patino embarks on this new journey, Arsenal supporters will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his progress. His move to Deportivo underscores the highly competitive nature of top-tier football, but it also presents an exciting opportunity for a talented young player to flourish in a new environment.