Paddy McNair, a former Manchester United player, has made a surprising move to join MLS side San Diego FC as a free agent. However, he will be loaned out to West Brom until the end of 2024. McNair, a Northern Ireland international, spent five years at Old Trafford after coming through the youth ranks before leaving in 2016.
McNair’s journey in football began when he joined United’s academy at the age of 14. It was there that he was converted from a midfielder to a defender by youth coach Paul McGuinness. Despite his potential, he only managed to make 27 first-team appearances for the club before being signed by Sunderland, who were then managed by former United boss, David Moyes. In 2018, McNair moved to Middlesbrough for a fee of £5 million, where he went on to win the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.
Now, after a successful stint in English football, McNair has decided to make a move across the Atlantic to join San Diego FC. He signed a three-year deal with the MLS side following the end of his contract with Championship team Middlesbrough this summer. However, before he can officially join his new club, he will be loaned out to West Brom for six months. This arrangement is due to the fact that San Diego FC is waiting for the receipt of McNair’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
McNair expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play in the MLS. He said, “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career. 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. It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.”
San Diego FC, founded in May by British-Egyptian businessman and former politician Mohamed Mansour, has made McNair their fifth signing in their short history. The club has already attracted attention with the signing of former Napoli winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. McNair’s international experience, having represented Northern Ireland at various youth levels and helping them qualify for the Euros in 2016, will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the team.
In conclusion, Paddy McNair’s move from English football to the MLS with San Diego FC is an exciting development in his career. While he will initially be loaned out to West Brom, his signing by San Diego FC demonstrates the growing appeal of the MLS and the ambition of the club to build a successful team. McNair’s experience and versatility as a player will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of San Diego FC.