Wrexham Captain James McClean Nears Emotional Derry City Return

The January transfer window has brought a swirl of speculation, emotion, and reflection to Wrexham AFC, as the club confirmed that their influential captain, James McClean, is set to leave the Championship side to pursue another opportunity—widely believed to be a return to his boyhood club, Derry City. For Wrexham supporters, the news marks the end of a remarkable chapter in both the club’s and the player’s journey, with McClean’s impact stretching far beyond the pitch.

On January 17, 2026, Wrexham CEO Mike Williamson addressed the media, stating, “Jimmy’s going on to pursue another opportunity that he’s looking at.” While the club stopped short of confirming the exact destination, sources indicate that McClean is poised for an emotional homecoming to Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division before the transfer window closes on February 2, 2026. It’s a move that has been rumored for weeks and now seems all but certain, given McClean’s absence from the squad ahead of Wrexham’s league clash with Norwich City.

McClean’s contract with Wrexham was originally set to run until the summer of 2027, but the 36-year-old midfielder—who has made over 108 appearances and scored eight goals for the Welsh club—felt the pull of home too strong to ignore. His decision comes after a storied 15-year career in English football, marked by grit, controversy, and a fair share of glory.

“We’ve been a club that’s always been supportive of what players are looking to do and giving them the opportunities that they look for,” Williamson told BBC Radio Wales Sport. He emphasized the club’s player-first ethos, adding, “That’s come straight from Rob and Ryan, where they’ve shown with some of the players who aren’t part of the project and the journey as you go forward and move up, they’ve always done right by the players. Making sure when they have an opportunity to do something that they feel is important to them and special to them that we support them 100%. It’s the same sort of situation with Jimmy.”

McClean’s career arc is one of perseverance and reinvention. His professional journey began at Derry City, where he scored 18 goals in 188 appearances between 2008 and 2011. His performances in the League of Ireland caught the eye of Sunderland, and so began a whirlwind 15-year spell in England that saw him don the colors of Wigan Athletic (in two separate stints), West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, and finally Wrexham. Each move brought new challenges, but McClean’s relentless style and direct approach made him a fan favorite—and sometimes a lightning rod for controversy.

Wrexham’s acquisition of McClean in August 2023, following the club’s promotion to League Two, was seen as a statement of intent by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Republic of Ireland international wasted no time making his mark. In the 2023-24 League Two campaign, McClean contributed four goals in 44 appearances, helping Phil Parkinson’s side finish second and secure back-to-back promotions. The momentum didn’t stop there: Wrexham clinched a third successive promotion by finishing second in League One in 2024-25, returning to the Championship for the first time since 1982. Few would dispute that McClean was instrumental in this historic rise.

“He played a key role in two successive promotion campaigns with Wrexham,” Williamson acknowledged. The club’s remarkable journey from the National League to the Championship has been one of the most captivating stories in English football, and McClean’s leadership on and off the pitch has been central to that narrative.

However, the 2025-26 season has proved more challenging for the veteran winger. While Wrexham currently sit ninth in the Championship, just a point outside the playoff places, McClean has struggled to replicate his previous form and is yet to find the net this campaign. The campaign also brought controversy. In December 2025, following a 2-1 derby defeat to Swansea City, McClean was charged with violent conduct after video footage emerged of him flicking a boot towards Swansea forward Ronald. The incident, which occurred around the 94th minute and was missed by match officials, led to a three-match ban after McClean admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty.

The Football Association released a statement: “The player’s behaviour around the 94th minute wasn’t seen by the match officials at the time, but it was caught on video, and the FA alleged that it constitutes violent conduct. James McClean subsequently admitted the charge against him and accepted the standard penalty for violent conduct.” Wrexham echoed the FA’s stance, confirming the suspension and citing a breach of rule E1.1.

During McClean’s absence, Wrexham didn’t miss a beat, winning league matches against Sheffield United, Preston North End, and Blackburn Rovers. Yet, his experience and tenacity were soon called upon again, as he returned for a dramatic FA Cup third-round clash against Premier League side Nottingham Forest. In a match that went to penalties, Wrexham emerged victorious, with McClean playing a part in the club’s memorable cup run.

Off the field, McClean’s career in England has not been without its challenges. He has faced jeers and criticism for his refusal to wear a poppy on Remembrance Sunday—a stance rooted in his personal connection to Bloody Sunday, when British soldiers opened fire on civil rights protestors in Derry in January 1972. While his position has drawn ire from some quarters, it has also been a testament to his unwavering principles and connection to his roots.

Now, as the transfer window ticks toward its close, McClean stands on the verge of a full-circle moment: a return to Derry City, where it all began. The move is set to be finalized ahead of the February 2 deadline, and while Wrexham’s faithful will surely miss their captain’s passion and drive, there’s a palpable sense of appreciation for all he’s given the club.

Wrexham’s next challenge comes against Norwich City, but for now, all eyes are on the departing captain. After three years, two promotions, and countless memories, James McClean’s legacy at Wrexham is secure. His journey back to Derry is more than just a transfer—it’s the closing of one chapter and the start of another, both for the player and for the clubs that have shaped his remarkable career.

With the January window still open and negotiations ongoing, Wrexham supporters will be watching closely as McClean prepares for his next act. Whatever comes next, his impact on Wrexham’s rise will not be forgotten.