While most San Diego FC fans are still raving about the signing of forward Chucky Lozano, one of the other signings that has quietly gone under the radar is that of defender Patrick “Paddy” McNair.
The club announced on July 25 that McNair signed as a free agent to a three-year contract with an option for 2028. The 29-year-old native of Ballyclare, Northern Ireland is on loan with English Championship (second division) side West Bromwich Albion for the remainder of 2024 and will officially join San Diego FC in January 2025, subject to receiving his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The ITC exists to facilitate the transfer from one national association to another between countries.
“I suppose that each league has their sort of style, but most teams are playing that Pep Guardiola style in a way,” said McNair. “I don’t think it’s too different from what I’ve played in England and the games I’ve watched in the MLS.”
Along with having a distinguished career in English football with the likes of Manchester United, McNair has 69 caps with Northern Ireland having started his career in the Manchester United Academy at the age of 14. He made his professional debut with the first team in 2014 in a 2-1 victory against West Ham United and, after making 27 appearances for the “Red Devils,” moved to Sunderland where he played for three years.
McNair had an impressive end to the 2017-18 season by scoring four goals in his last five games before joining Middlesbrough FC in 2018, which is one of the founding members clubs of the Premier League, where he made over 200 appearances. He established himself as a key player there eventually being named Boro Player of the Year in 2021.
At the international level, McNair has been an important figure for Northern Ireland having represented his country in all categories starting with the under-17 to the senior team. The youngest of four children, McNair got his inspiration to play the beautiful sport from his brother.
“As soon as I could walk, my brother was rolling the ball to me and wanting someone to play with,” he added. “From then on I loved it and practiced every day with my journey starting from there.”
One of the many highlights of McNair’s international career was helping Northern Ireland qualify for the European Championship for the first time in 2016. He will soon join a group at San Diego FC that will also have the services of former San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree, who is on loan with USL Championship side Orange County SC, forward Marcus Ingvartsen, and midfielder Jeppe Tverskov.
“I enjoy the sunshine and I heard it’s going to be warm,” said McNair. “I think the journey will be very exciting for everyone. There will be ups and downs along the way, but it will only help us grow together.”
Photo courtesy of San Diego FC
