James McClean leaves Derry City after mutually agreeing contract termination

Derry City and former Republic of Ireland international James McClean have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect, the Irish Examiner, Irish Times, TheJournal.ie, RTÉ, and BBC Sport reported on Wednesday. The agreement resolves a recent dispute between the player and the club, ending his second spell with the team. [1][2][3][4][5][7]

According to the Irish Times, Derry City paid an undisclosed financial settlement to the 103-cap international. The player returned to his hometown team from Wrexham in January 2026 on a multi-year deal, as reported by the Irish Examiner and TheJournal.ie. [1][2][3][4]

McClean had not featured in a matchday squad or played for the team since July, according to the Irish Examiner, TheJournal.ie, and RTÉ. The Journal and RTÉ reported that Derry City had previously attempted to cancel McClean's contract in August on the grounds of his physical condition. [1][3][4]

McClean originally left Derry City in 2011 to join Sunderland after scoring 16 goals in 79 appearances for the club. He later played for Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, and Wrexham before returning to Derry. [1][14]

BBC Sport and The Irish News reported that McClean stated Derry City will always hold a special place in his heart. In a official statement, Derry City noted that both parties are satisfied with the outcome and ready to move forward constructively, according to the Irish Times. [2][5][11]