Wrexham confirms signing former Premier League star James McClean

Wrexham have signed Republic of Ireland midfielder James McClean for an undisclosed fee from Wigan Athletic.

After Wigan’s relegation from the second-tier EFL Championship last season, 34-year-old McClean has opted to drop down a further division to join Wrexham’s campaign in League Two.

He signed a one-year deal with the newly-promoted EFL club owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and his contract contains an option for an additional year.

Confirming his move to Wrexham, James McClean said;

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Wrexham. It’s a project that is very exciting and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. The Club has ambitions to go even further, and I’m a very ambitious person. I’m someone who is driven and I want to be a part of that journey.”

The 34-year-old is still part of the senior Irish set-up, having represented the national team at Euro 2012 and Euro 2016. He won his 100th cap during the June international break, starting the 3-0 victory over Gibraltar.

While the exact fee has not been confirmed, the Red Dragons are understood to have spent £250,000 on securing the signing. Wrexham’s current record signing, Ollie Palmer, set the club back £300,000 in 2022.

Wrexham made Will Boyle their first signing of the summer, with the defender joining from Championship side Huddersfield Town. The limited business has come after manager Phil Parkinson hinted the club won’t be making wholesale changes.

The Derry-born wide man started his career with Institute and then spent three years with Derry City, before making his move into English football with Sunderland in 2011.

After two seasons in the topflight, he moved to Wigan in 2013, spending two seasons with the Latics, before returning to the topflight when he joined West Bromwich Albion in 2015.

McClean made more than 100 appearances across three seasons with the Baggies, before a three-year spell with Stoke City, and then returned to Wigan in 2021.