• James McClean joins West Brom from Wigan for undisclosed fee 
  • 26-year-old has agreed three-year deal with Premier League side 
  • McClean claimed he was ‘delighted’ to have made the switch 

Pa Reporter

West Brom have made Republic of Ireland winger James McClean their first signing of the summer.

The 26-year-old has joined from Sky Bet League One side Wigan for an undisclosed fee and is tied to the Baggies for three years, with the club retaining an option to extend the deal for a further 12 months.

McClean told West Brom’s official website: ‘I’m delighted. I’ve played in the Premier League before and not only am I back here, but I’m with a stable top-flight club and one that wants to push on.

West Brom have made Republic of Ireland winger James McClean their first signing of the summer

West Brom have made Republic of Ireland winger James McClean their first signing of the summer

The 26-year-old has joined from Sky Bet League One side Wigan for an undisclosed fee

The 26-year-old has joined from Sky Bet League One side Wigan for an undisclosed fee

‘Tony Pulis told me what his plans were, where I would fit in. It was all very positive. The Premier League is where any player wants to be.’

The former Sunderland player added of his new boss at The Hawthorns: ‘He also told me he has a great dressing room, it’s been a stable club – but he’s made it clear he wants to push this club on.

‘I’m very ambitious. Everything about this move seems right for me – I’m very positive about it.

‘Once the Albion came in this was a move I was keen to get done – this is a big club and a new chapter for me.’

After making 41 appearances for Sunderland in the 2012-13 season, Derry-born McClean joined surprise FA Cup winners Wigan.

He would make 86 appearances for the Latics, scoring 10 goals, but could not stop the club suffering relegation from the Championship last month.

McClean in action during the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 Group D qualifying clash against Scotland 

McClean in action during the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 Group D qualifying clash against Scotland 

West Brom manager Tony Pulis has made McClean his first summer signing ahead of next season

West Brom manager Tony Pulis has made McClean his first summer signing ahead of next season

Baggies manager Pulis welcomed his first arrival of the close season, saying: ‘He’s got Premier League experience from his time with Sunderland.

‘James has had a couple of indifferent years with Wigan but he did well at Sunderland and we’re very pleased to have him on board.

‘I am absolutely confident that he can fulfil the potential to come back and be a big player for us.

‘He’s got pace, he’s left-footed – so he gives us a good balance in the side – and he can score goals.’

McClean has 27 caps for Ireland and featured at Euro 2012, making one substitute appearance against Spain.

The 26-year-old made 86 appearances for the Latics and scored 10 goals along the way

The 26-year-old made 86 appearances for the Latics and scored 10 goals along the way

 

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