STOKE CITY HAVE COMPLETED the signing of Ireland international James McClean on a four year contract in a move worth up to £6 million.
The winger has long been linked with a move to the bet365 stadium, with Sunday’s move bringing an end to three years at West Brom in the Premier League for the 29-year-old
McClean made 112 appearances for the Baggies since signing in 2015.
Stoke boss Gary Rowett previously tried to sign the midfielder while at Derby County and said he was getting a team player who would fit in well as the side attempt to gain promotion back to the top-flight.
“James is a player I’ve admired for a long time,” Rowett said. “He has real quality with his left foot and he’s an old fashioned winger in so much that he retains width and gives teams balance.
“Every time I’ve watched him play I’ve always been impressed by how hard he worked – he’s a team player who shows real desire to help his teammates out and run for the team.
Stoke City have completed the signing of @JamesMcC_14 from @WBA
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 22, 2018
The Potters have paid an initial £5million for the 29-year-old Republic of Ireland winger, although the fee could rise to £6million with add-ons.
👉 https://t.co/KfQcDUP495#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/XjxgE4CMsp
“I’ve spoken to lads who have played with him before, the likes of Darren Fletcher, and they have all said that he’s a great guy to have around the dressing room and he’s really, really popular with his teammates.”
McLean began his career in English football at Sunderland, before dropping down to the Championship where he enjoyed success at Wigan.
Last year also saw the Derry native enjoy a standout campaign for his country as Ireland made it to the World Cup play-offs, with McClean named the 2017 RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year.
“Stoke City is a club that doesn’t want to be in the Championship and I’m the same. Hopefully myself and the club can get back there at the first time of asking,” McClean said.
“There’s great passion among the supporters for the club – whenever I’ve played here in the past the noise has been really noticeable and hopefully that will spur us on this season.”
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