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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>McNair leaves Middlesbrough for MLS</li><li>Will join Hirving Lozano at San Diego</li><li>Club to join league next season</li></ul>

Former Manchester United defender signs for MLS side San Diego on free transfer as club chief hails 'invaluable' transfer

San Diego FC announced the signing of the Northern Ireland international on a three-year deal following his departure from Championship side Middlesbrough this summer. McNair will be loaned to West Brom until the end of 2024 ahead of the club's anticipated entrance into the MLS.

WHAT HAPPENED?

San Diego's chief soccer officer Tyler Heaps said: "Paddy is another addition to our Club that will be invaluable as we prepare for our inaugural season in MLS. 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."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟲𝟭𝟵, 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘆. San Diego FC signs defender Patrick “Paddy” McNair to a three-year contract. The center-back will join <a href="https://twitter.com/WBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WBA</a> on loan before coming to his new home.— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) <a href="https://twitter.com/sandiegofc/status/1816518814756184141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WHAT SAN DIEGO SAID

McNair's arrival is another statement of intent from San Diego, who have already added the likes of Hirving Lozano, Marcus Ingvartsen and Jeppe Tverskov to their ranks. The 29-year-old came through the Manchester United academy but most recently played for Middlesbrough, making 219 appearances.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It is business as usual for McNair as he continues pre-season preparations in England. West Brom will be looking to mount a promotion charge and the Northern Irishman may have a big role to play in the first half of the season. For San Diego, they will continue monitoring the market as they build a squad capable of competing in the MLS.

WHAT NEXT FOR MCNAIR AND SAN DIEGO?

Former Manchester United defender signs for MLS side San Diego on free transfer as club chief hails 'invaluable' transfer | Goal.com

MLS side San Diego FC have announced the signing of former Manchester United defender Paddy McNair.