After enduring a difficult season with West Bromwich Albion, Ireland's James McClean has been confirmed as a Stoke City signing this afternoon.
Who else is wearing their Stoke City colours this fine sunny Sunday?! pic.twitter.com/8LBmGoacPL
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 22, 2018
On Friday afternoon, it was reported in the Stoke Sentinel that McClean has been a long-time target of City's new boss, Gary Rowett. He was spotted at the club's training ground ahead of a potential move.
Although it wasn't expected to be confirmed until next week, James McClean has departed West Bromwich Albion for Stoke City for a fee of £5 million (potentially £6 million).
Stoke City have completed the signing of @JamesMcC_14 from @WBA
The Potters have paid an initial £5million for the 29-year-old Republic of Ireland winger, although the fee could rise to £6million with add-ons.
👉 https://t.co/KfQcDUP495#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/XjxgE4CMsp— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 22, 2018
Throughout a turbulent season at the Hawthorns, the Irish winger found first-team opportunities very hard to come by. Although there appeared to be some progress when Alan Pardew made way for Darren Moore, the 29-year-old now looks almost certain to have confirmed his departure.
In recent weeks, McClean's dissatisfaction with life at West Brom became abundantly clear; reports of the winger not appearing for the commencement of pre-season training a sure sign that he saw his future elsewhere.
Interestingly, during the mid-season transfer window of the 2017/18 season, Rowett, then at Derby County, made a play to loan in McClean for the remainder of the season. To the frustration of McClean, this deal never made it over the line.
Reports within the club suggested that Rowett was keen to add McClean to his new-look Stoke City side, citing the "much-needed aggression and athleticism" that McClean will guarantee.
He now has his man.
