Credit - WrexhamAFC.co.uk
James McClean’s situation at Wrexham has created the opening Derry City needed. The 36-year-old has started just twice in the Championship this season, and his former club are now strongly exploring a loan move to bring him back in January.
McClean signed a new contract at the start of the season that keeps him at Wrexham until 2027. But regular football has not followed. Phil Parkinson has preferred Liberato Cacace at left wing-back throughout the campaign, and McClean’s last start came on September 13 against QPR.
Derry finished runners-up in the League of Ireland Premier Division last season and see McClean’s lack of game time as an opportunity. They want to strengthen their squad with a player who knows the club, the league, and what it takes to succeed at that level.
Parkinson’s preference for Cacace has frozen McClean out
McClean has featured nine times in the Championship this season. Only three of those appearances have been starts. None have come since mid-September.
Parkinson’s tactical preference for Cacace has been clear and consistent throughout the campaign. The New Zealand international has become the undisputed first-choice left wing-back. McClean has been left on the periphery despite signing a contract extension just months ago.
Embed from Getty ImagesMcClean captained Wrexham in his last start, a 3-1 defeat to QPR on September 13. That was over two months ago. For a player who would have expected regular football when committing to a new deal, the situation has become increasingly difficult.
The lack of minutes has left McClean starved of game time at a crucial stage of his career. At 36, he cannot afford to spend months sitting on the bench waiting for opportunities that rarely arrive. His form and fitness depend on regular competitive action.
Wrexham’s squad depth has worked against McClean. Parkinson has options across the pitch, and when one player establishes themselves as the first choice, others struggle to dislodge them. Cacace has done exactly that at left wing-back.
Derry move makes sense for all parties involved
Derry City are exploring the possibility of bringing McClean back to the Brandywell on loan when the January transfer window opens. The loan structure makes financial sense given McClean’s contract at Wrexham is too large for the League of Ireland club to buy out permanently.
McClean played for Derry from 2008 to 2011 before earning a move to Sunderland. He knows the club, he knows the city, and he understands what it takes to succeed in the League of Ireland. The familiarity would make any transition seamless.
A loan would suit all parties involved in the deal. McClean gets the regular football he needs to stay sharp and competitive. Wrexham reduce their wage bill temporarily without losing an asset permanently. Derry add proven experience and quality to a squad targeting the league title.
McClean’s situation at Wrexham has made this move possible. Without his lack of game time creating availability, Derry would have no realistic chance of securing a player still under contract at Championship level. The circumstances have aligned for all sides.
Wrexham’s squad depth and Parkinson’s clear tactical preferences have pushed McClean to the margins. Derry City are positioned to take advantage if the opportunity materialises in January.
About The Author
