San Diego FC announced Thursday the Club has signed Northern Ireland international defender Patrick “Paddy” McNair to a three-year contract. The three-year deal runs through the end of the 2027 MLS season, with a club option for a fourth year.
McNair completed his contract with Middlesbrough in June, paving the way for McNair to sign with San Diego FC.
“Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career,” said SDFC Defender Paddy McNair. “When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.”
SDFC reached an agreement with West Bromwich Albion F.C. of the English Championship to loan McNair for the rest of 2024. McNair will join SDFC in January, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“Paddy is another addition to our Club that will be invaluable as we prepare for our inaugural season in the MLS,” said. SDFC Chief Soccer Officer Tyler Heaps. “He is a center-back that is extremely comfortable in possession and has the versatility to play a number of roles within our team.”
McNair has played 274 matches in England at the club level to date, having suited up for Manchester United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich.
McNair made 219 appearances with Middlesbrough, joining them in June 2018. He made his debut in a 3-0 home win against Sheffield United, and scored his first goal for the club the following month in a 1-1 draw against Millwall. McNair was named Middlebrough’s Player of the Year in 2021.
At age 14 McNair joined the Manchester United Academy, making his way from the academy to the first team. After signing his first professional contract with Manchester United in 2011, McNair made his professional debut in the Premier League as a teenager, starting in a 2-1 win over West Ham United in September 2014.
McNair moved to Sunderland in 2018 after making 27 appearances for United. He appeared in 28 matches for Sunderland during his two seasons, ending his 2017/18 season scoring four goals in his last five games before moving to Middlesbrough.
McNair has represented Northern Ireland at the U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior level. He was part of the Northern Ireland senior team that reached the 2016 European Championships for the first time in their history. McNair continues to be the team’s captain, making more than 65 international appearances for the Northern Ireland National Team to date.
McNair is the fifth player signing in SDFC history, joining goalkeeper Duran Ferree, forward Marcus Ingvarsten, midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, and winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
