A former player announced his move to a new Major League Soccer club.

Former Manchester United defender Paddy McNair has signed for MLS side San Diego, but will spend the first half of the season on loan at Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

The 29-year-old had been a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Middlesbrough at the end of the 2024/25 season and has signed a three-year deal with San Diego.

“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,” he told the club’s website. “It’s going to be very special to be a part of history.”

The California side were only formed last season and McNair will be part of the club’s inaugural squad when they begin the 2025 MLS campaign. San Diego have also confirmed the signing of Hirving Lozano from Napoli.

But with no games for the remainder of the year, McNair has lined up a short-term switch to the Hawthorns until 31 December. He’ll, therefore, be available for the club’s opening game of the season away to Queens Park Rangers on 10 August.

The moves continues West Brom’s link with Northern Ireland, with the likes of Gareth McCauley, Chris Baird, Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt representing the club in the past.

“I know a lot of lads who have played here in the past and they’ve all said good things about it. I’m really happy to be here,” McNair told the West Brom’s website. “I’ve played in the Championship for the last seven years so I’ve got a lot of experience in this division.”

Having come through the youth ranks at United, the Northern Ireland international went on to play 27 times for the club under Louis van Gaal. McNair departed in 2016 and spent two years at Sunderland, before moving to Middlesbrough. A six-year spell at Boro concluded in May, with the centre-back making 218 appearances for the club.