A former Sunderland man has sealed a surprise switch to the MLS, and has immediately returned to the Championship on loan.
Sunderland are gearing up for the 2024/25 Championship season under a new face in Regis Le Bris.
The former Lorient boss takes charge at the Stadium of Light following a four-month search process.
Previous boss Michael Beale was sacked in February, lasting just 12 games in charge and winning four.
Mike Dodds saw out what was, in the end, a widely disappointing season for the Black Cats, who finished in 16th place of the table.
But there’s hope that Sunderland can greatly improve on last season’s finish, especially if sporting director Kristjaan Speakman can deliver some positive results in the transfer market.
Sunderland have signed Ian Poveda on a free transfer this week, with the released Leeds United man becoming the club’s third signing of the summer so far.
But a Sunderland 2016 signing has now sealed a surprise move.
Paddy McNair signs for San Diego, joins West Brom on loan
Paddy McNair, 29, was released by Middlesbrough this summer, becoming a free agent after six years with Sunderland’s north-east rivals.
Boro signed McNair from Sunderland in 2018, paying a reported £5million fee for a player who Sunderland signed for around the same amount in 2016.
McNair left Manchester United for Sunderland in a deal which also included Donald Love.
During his two years on Wearside, McNair featured 28 times in all competitions, scoring seven goals and showing signs of a very promising player.
An ACL injury hampered his time with the club. But McNair went on to make 219 total appearances for Boro, scoring 14 and assisting 16 more, winning the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.
He’s now joined MLS side San Diego, though he’ll play on loan for West Brom until the New Year.
A good move for former Sunderland man Paddy McNair
McNair has long been a very decent player a Championship level. He’s a player who can play in numerous positions and who can chip in with goals too, as he did with Sunderland.
To come back from such a serious injury and play as many game as he has is a testament to him as a player and professional, and at 29 years old, he could go on to have a very good career in the States.
For now though, he’ll be focused on helping the Baggies in the first half of their 2024/25 campaign.