James McClean signs for Derry City from Wrexham

Michael Bolton

James McClean has signed for Derry City from Wrexham ahead of the 2026 season.

The 36-year-old returns home 15 years after leaving to join Sunderland in the Premier League.

McClean made nearly 600 appearances during his time in England and was capped more than 100 times for the Republic of Ireland.

It’s a bit surreal that it’s here and it has happened, but I can’t wait to get started,” McClean said.

“Wrexham and how they have dealt with this, absolute touch of class, they made as easy as possible to come home. I spoke to the manager, and I told him, the place I want to go is home.

“I like challenges in the career and this is now probably one of the best challenges I get to take on.

"This is the last club of my career, this is where I am ending my career. If I was to win a league title here and go out in that way, I couldn’t write the script any better.”

City boss Tiernan Lynch said: “For my end and the teams end, it was a no brainer. What he has done in the game, it speaks for itself it does not need me to tell them. However, what he is going to bring to our changing room, that experience and that discipline. I am absolutely delighted to get him in.

“It just raises the level for everything that we do. All you have to do is have a conversation with him to understand that. The big thing now is that we have to do the work.”

Derry City will be hoping to go one better as they finished second in the League of Ireland last season behind Shamrock Rovers.