After failing to earn a new deal at Sunderland, McFadden again trained with former club Motherwell. On 18 February 2013, McFadden returned to Fir Park, signing on until the end of the season. McFadden made his first start on his return in a 2–1 win over Celtic. On Friday 15 March 2013, McFadden scored his first goal since returning in a 4–1 victory over Hibernian and also set up two goals during the match. McFadden's performance earned him the man-of-the-match award. McFadden then scored the late equaliser in a 2–2 draw versus St Mirren on 6 April 2013 and then on 5 May 2013, scored a brace despite losing 4–3 versus Inverness Caledonian Thistle. At the end of the 2012–13 season, although McFadden was offered a new contract his future still remained uncertain.