James McClean has left English Championship club Wrexham and made a sensational return to Derry City on a multi–year deal.
McClean made over 100 appearances after joining Wrexham in August 2023 and helped the Welsh club win back-to-back promotions from League Two and League One.
The winger, who earned 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, left Derry City for Sunderland in 2011 for a fee of £350,000, making his debut later that season under Martin O'Neill.
The 36-year-old went on to represent Wigan twice, West Brom and Stoke City before moving to the Welsh club, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
McClean made 79 appearances for Derry from 2008-2011 having joined from Irish League side Institute. He scored 16 goals before moving to the Black Cats.
Speaking to the Derry City website, McClean said: "Its a bit surreal that it's here and it's happened, but I can't wait to get started.
"Wrexham and how they have dealt with this, absolute touch of class, they made it 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 my 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."
Candystripes manager Tiernan Lynch said of his high-profile signing: "From my end and the team's 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."
McClean’s younger brother Patrick signed with the Brandywell club on Friday in a two-year deal.
It’s the defender’s third spell with the club after representing a number of clubs in the League of Ireland and Irish League.
