FORMER Sunderland defender Paddy McNair will be back in the Championship next season – despite having secured a move to the United States.

McNair left Middlesbrough as a free agent at the end of last season, having made more than 200 senior appearances during his six years on Teesside.

The Northern Ireland international, who spent two seasons with Sunderland after graduating through the youth ranks at Manchester United, was approached by a number of clubs in the MLS and has signed a contract agreement with San Diego FC.

However, with the new MLS season not starting until January, McNair has signed a deal with Championship side West Brom that will run to December 31.

RECOMMENDED READING:

“West Brom are a very good club and have always been one I’ve admired,” said the versatile defender, who can also play in central midfield. “I know a lot of lads who have played here in the past and they have all said good things about it, so I am happy to be here.

“I've played in the Championship for the last seven or eight years, so I have that Championship experience. You always want to be fighting at the top, last year you (West Brom) missed out on the play-off final but hopefully this year can go one better.

“I think at the end of my time here, I want to leave the team in the best position possible, closest to the top of the league as possible, that would be great.”

When McNair leaves the Hawthorns, he will head to America to play for a San Diego side that is due to enter the MLS as a new expansion team in 2025. The team, which will become the 30th side in the MLS, will play out the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.

“Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career,” said McNair. “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.”

First, though, McNair will team up with his new colleagues at West Brom, where he will play under Baggies boss Carlos Corberan.

“We’re very pleased to have signed Paddy and we welcome him to our club,” said Corberan. “He is a player who has a lot of experience in this league with Sunderland and Middlesbrough. He’s played just under 350 career matches, and he’ll add a lot of maturity and quality to our squad.”