San Diego FC has signed another player for its inaugural season.
Defender Paddy McNair signed a three-year deal through 2027 with a club option for 2028, San Diego FC announced on Thursday. He will spend the rest of the 2024 season with West Bromwich Albion F.C. before reporting to San Diego in January.
McNair, a native of Northern Ireland, has played for Manchester United, Sunderlund, and Middlesbrough in his career.
He is the fifth player so far to sign with San Diego FC, ing goalkeeper Duran Ferree, forward Marcus Ingvartsen, midfielder Jeppe Tverskov and winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The club, sporting the colors of chrome and azul, will play its Major League Soccer debut next spring.
“ing San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career,” McNair said. “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.”
Tyler Heaps, San Diego’s chief soccer officer, said McNair will be an “invaluable” addition to the club, which will play its first match next season.
“His wealth of experience and leadership as the captain of Northern Ireland will be a tremendous asset to our roster and locker room,” he said. “We are excited to welcome him to San Diego and have him our club in January.”
