San Diego FC sends starting defender to English club making promotion push

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Paddy McNair, a starting defender on San Diego FC's inaugural roster, is being transferred to Hull City of England's EFL Championship. McNair, who previously played for Manchester United, signed with SDFC in 2024 and made 25 appearances for the club. Hull City, which is currently tied for fourth place in the EFL, has signed McNair to an 18-month contract with an option for an extra year.

Why it matters

The transfer of a key SDFC defender to an English club making a promotion push to the Champions League highlights the growing talent pipeline between MLS and European leagues, as well as the appeal of the EFL Championship for players looking to return to a more competitive domestic league.

The details

McNair told Hull City's website that the transfer 'had been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks' and that he's 'very happy to get it over the line.' Hull City is currently tied for fourth place in the EFL Championship, which runs from August through May, with the top three teams earning promotion to the Champions League. McNair previously played for Manchester United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion before joining SDFC in 2024, where he made 25 appearances and started 21 matches.

• McNair signed with San Diego FC in July 2024, six months before the team's inaugural season.
• McNair made 25 appearances for SDFC in the 2025 season, starting 21 matches.
• SDFC announced McNair's transfer to Hull City on January 28, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Hull City will look to integrate McNair into their lineup as they push for promotion to the Champions League in the second half of the EFL Championship season.