When Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins confirmed that James McClean would not be returning to the club, the expectation was that the Republic of Ireland international would be staying with Wigan Athletic.
Despite suffering torrents of abuse from fans during his time in England - and, particularly, in recent months at Wigan - McClean has been an essential player throughout his time with the Latics. He was widely praised for his loyalty to the club amid financial difficulties and their relegation from the Championship.
Which makes it all the more surprising that McClean now looks set to sign for the fast-rising Wrexham AFC.
READ HERE: When Trapattoni Cheekily Compared James McClean’s Debut To Messi And Pele
James McClean set for unexpected move Wrexham
Reports on Friday suggest that James McClean is set to join the Wrexham revolution. Both Daniel McDonnell of the Irish Independent, and the Irish Sun made the report, with both suggesting that an announcement is imminent.
The 34-year-old recently won his 100th cap for his country in June's EURO 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar.
Further reports from local news outlet Wigan Today confirm that McClean has not travelled with the Latics' squad for their opening game of the League One season against Derby this evening. They report that the deal on offer for McClean at Wrexham is not only worth more than the deal offered to him at Wigan, but is longer than the 12 months currently remaining on his contract.
Sounds like James McClean from Wigan to Wrexham a goer at around £250,000. Real coup and statement signing by landing an Ireland international. #wafc #wrexham
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) August 4, 2023
Wrexham confirmed the signing late Friday afternoon, on the eve of the start of the EFL season. 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.”
James McClean in a Wrexham shirt: not what we expected to see at the start of the daypic.twitter.com/NSovJzcqMT
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) August 4, 2023
He won't be available for selection when Wrexham start their League Two campaign against MK Dons tomorrow.
McClean joins fellow Irishmen Liam McAlinden, Anthony Forde, Eoghan O'Connell, and Thomas O'Connor at Wrexham. When O'Connell signed for the club, his arrival was announced in hilarious fashion by the club's new celebrity owners, in a brilliant video on social media.
Wrexham will line out in League Two for the first time in 15 years this season, after last year's dramatic promotion. The club have enjoyed a dramatic turnaround in fortunes since being purchased by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2020.
Deadpool star Reynolds, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star McElhenney have not only invested in the club, but held a significant presence at the club, and were present for all of last season's biggest moments, during a famous season for the club.
Might we see Reynolds and McElhenney cross paths with James McClean in the weeks and months to come? It now seems, somewhat out of nowhere, that such a scenario is quite likely.
And, in an ironic twist of fate, Wrexham will face Wigan in the League Cup next Tuesday. Perhaps McClean will be reunited with his old teammates sooner rather than later...
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