FORMER Manchester United star Paddy McNair has joined MLS side San Diego FC as a free agent – but will be shipped out on loan to West Brom until the end of 2024.
The Northern Ireland international, 29, spent five years at Old Trafford after coming through the youth ranks before leaving in 2016.
McNair joined United’s academy at age 14, where he was converted from a midfielder to a defender by youth coach Paul McGuinness.
But he was limited to 27 first team appearances before being snapped up by Sunderland, then managed by former United supremo David Moyes.
McNair subsequently joined Middlesbrough for £5m in 2018, where he won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.
But now he has ditched English football to head stateside.
McNair signed a free three-year deal with San Diego following the end of his contract with Championship side Boro this summer.
But he will be flown straight back to England after the MLS outfit agreed a six-month loan with West Brom.
Part of the reason behind the short loan is because the club are waiting on the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
McNair said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career.
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“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 is the fifth signing in San Diego’s history, an early group of stars highlighted by former Napoli winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
The club was founded last May by British-Egyptian businessman and former politician Mohamed Mansour.
McNair has represented his country at the U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior level and helped them qualify for their first and only Euros in 2016.
