James McClean has officially become a free agent after Derry City reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with immediate effect, drawing an end to a long-running dispute between the player and the club. The 37-year-old former Republic of Ireland international leaves Brandywell Stadium just nine months into the multi-year deal he signed in January, bringing a premature conclusion to his second stint with the Candystripes.
The veteran winger had been frozen out of the first-team setup since July, an exile that sparked friction when Derry initially sought to terminate his contract. In a club statement, Derry confirmed that both parties were satisfied with the agreement and were ready to move forward constructively. McClean expressed his contentment at reaching a settlement, stating that while his homecoming did not unfold as hoped, the club would always hold a special place in his heart, before thanking supporters and wishing the team success in the upcoming FAI Cup final against Waterford FC.
Following his arrival from Wrexham, McClean made 20 appearances and registered four assists during his second spell, with his final competitive match coming in an FAI Cup second-round tie against Tolka Rovers before he was left as an unused substitute against Rijeka on July 23. Across both periods at Derry—having initially been sold to Sunderland in 2011—he recorded 108 games and 20 goals. Chairman Philip O'Doherty acknowledged McClean's dedication and his broader impact on Irish football, praising his milestone of senior international caps, alongside a career that included 158 Premier League outings for Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, as well as EFL stints at Wigan Athletic, Stoke City, and Wrexham.
The departure comes ahead of Derry City's final league fixture of the season, an away trip to face Sligo Rovers on Friday. Sitting fifth in the table, the team will subsequently turn their full attention toward the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 8, where they face Waterford in the FAI Cup final looking to claim the trophy for the seventh time in their history, having previously lifted it in 2022.