San Diego FC announces the acquisition of Northern Ireland soccer player Patrick McNair to the city’s newest sports team.
McNair will join San Diego FC as a free agent, though he will be loaned to the English Championship team West Brom in England for the rest of this year, until the inaugural MLS season for SDFC.
“Paddy is another addition to our Club that will be invaluable as we prepare for our inaugural season in 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. His wealth of experience and leadership as the captain of Northern Ireland will be a tremendous asset to our roster and locker room. We are excited to welcome him to San Diego and have him join our Club in January.”
McNair’s contract is a three-year deal that will end at the end of the 2027 season. It includes a club option for an additional season.
The Northern Ireland star will be added to the roster in January, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa as a foreign player.
“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. 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.”
McNair has played for European clubs such as powerhouse Manchester United, moved to Sunderland in 2018, and eventually landed a role with Middlesbrough.
The new acquisition is now the fifth player signed for SDFC alongside Duran Ferree, forward Marcus Ingvartsen, midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, and winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.