05 August 2023 , 01:00
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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson didn't think his squad needed much work going into the summer transfer window, but it appears the lure of a former Premier League star in the form of James McClean was too much to resist.
McClean might be the wrong side of 30, but he arrives with bags of experience. Not only that, but he still has plenty to offer, as evidenced by the fact that he won his 100th senior Ireland cap just two months ago.
The veteran has signed a one-year deal with the Red Dragons, becoming the second new arrival after promotion back to the EFL. There is an option to extend the former Sunderland and West Brom man's spell, and it's the kind of deal other clubs at Wrexham's level might not have been able to pull off.
Wrexham's spending power has been no secret. Ever since the club was the subject of a takeover from a group including acting stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, they have been big players financially - at least compared to others outside the Football League pyramid.
Based on the McClean deal, little has changed. According to The Independent, the 34-year-old has set the club back a £250,000 fee as well as 'Championship level' wages.
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James McClean was a regular for Wigan last season (Getty Images)It's what might be expected for a player who featured in every single Championshp game last season, which is an accurate description of McClean. However, it also might be considered a significant amount for a 34-year-old dropping from League One to League Two, which also applies to the man from Derry.
It's not a record fee for Wrexham. That still belongs to Ollie Palmer, who set them back £300,000 when they were still in non-league.
It's also not the first time this summer Wrexham have signed a man who was playing Championship football last season. That was Will Boyle, though the defender played in less than half of Huddersfield's games last season.
McClean is, quite clearly, a statement signing. After a move for ex-Man Utd man failed to materialise, the arrival of a man with more than 150 Premier League appearances to his name - plus more than 200 in the second tier - says a lot about the direction in which Wrexham are looking to move and the funds that they hope can lead them there.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Wrexham," McClean said upon joining his new club. "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.”