San Diego FC sign former Manchester United defender Paddy McNair
Credit: San Diego FC
This Thursday, July 25, San Diego FC officially announced the signing of 29-year-old defender Paddy McNair on a three-year contract through the end of the 2027 MLS season.
McNair was signed as a free agent after his contract with English Championship side Middlesbrough expired. He will stay in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion on loan for the remainder of the calendar year before joining SDFC in 2025.
McNair brings a wealth of experience to the expansion side, as he was a Manchester United youth academy player and stayed on with the Red Devils until 2016. From there, the strong center-back played with Sunderland and, most notably, Middlesbrough from 2018 to 2024, where he had nearly 200 appearances.
McNair has also been a pillar of the Northern Ireland national team, gaining consistent call-ups to the Green and White Army for nearly a decade now. McNair has even captained the Norn Iron in a few games and did his entire youth national team process with Northen Ireland as well.
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟲𝟭𝟵, 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘆.
San Diego FC signs defender Patrick “Paddy” McNair to a three-year contract.
The center-back will join @WBA on loan before coming to his new home.
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) July 25, 2024
At 6 feet 2 inches, McNair has a commanding physical presence and the potential to be extremely useful with that presence in MLS. The 29-year-old also has key leadership skills that are not easily found in a signing for a new club like San Diego FC. McNair even has the potential to captain this side, given his experience and that he has captained the Northern Ireland national team.
On this day in 2018… 🗓️
Paddy McNair scored a screamer for Sunderland! 🚀#SAFCpic.twitter.com/c89XAVXgL9
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) April 14, 2024
SDFC Chief Soccer Officer Tyler Heaps commented on the McNair signing and what he can bring to the club.
“Paddy is another addition to our club that will be invaluable as we prepare for our inaugural season in MLS”, Heaps said. “He is a centre-back that is extremely comfortable in possession and has the versatility to play a number of roles within our team. His wealth of experience and leadership as the captain of Northern Ireland will be a tremendous asset to our roster and locker room.”
The defender also commented on his move to San Diego FC.
“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”, said McNair.
The Northern Ireland international is SDFC’s fifth signing in franchise history, joining Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, former San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree, Marcus Ingvartsen, and Jeppe Tverskov.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.