Ex-Middlesbrough star will be clubless in 2027 - Leicester City & Watford must keep tabs | OneFootball

Leicester City and Watford could benefit from Paddy McNair, who will be out of contract with Hull City in the summer of 2027.

Hull City defied the odds to win promotion to the Premier League last season, with Paddy McNair playing a role in their success.

The former Man Utd youngster spent six years at Middlesbrough earlier in his career, but he couldn’t help the Teesside outfit to the top flight, before he left for San Diego in 2024.

A short-term loan to West Brom was agreed to keep McNair fit ahead of MLS, but when he did move to America, it appeared as though the Northern Ireland international could’ve played his last game in English football.

Paddy McNair faces uncertain future as Hull City contract expires in 2027

However, after just one season with San Diego, McNair was back in the Championship, having signed an 18-month contract with the Tigers back in January.

Whilst the 31-year-old was by no means a regular for Hull, he made 14 appearances during the run-in to help Sergej Jakirovic’s side to Wembley, and he was a late sub to see the game out against Boro after Oli McBurnie’s stoppage time winner.

McNair has stuck with Hull in the Premier League, although he has only made one appearance, from the bench, so far.

Of course, a lot could change over the coming months, but, right now, it would be no surprise if McNair was looking for a new club in 2027, when his deal expires.

With that in mind, we look at TWO EFL sides that should be tracking the versatile defender, who could be a shrewd addition on a free transfer next year…

Watford

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Watford face a battle to stay in the Championship this season, and a key reason for that has been their poor summer transfer window.

Incredibly, the hierarchy have left Alessio Dionisi with a squad that lacks balance, with midfield a glaring problem right now.

But, as well as that, they are lacking Championship know-how, so adding a player like McNair would help on the pitch and in the dressing room.

His ability to play anywhere in defence, and as a defensive midfielder if needed, would make him a very valuable asset to Watford over what is a tough, demanding campaign, whether they’re in the Championship or League One.

The Hornets must learn from this summer window, and it’s about getting the right balance, so bringing in players with EFL experience has to be a priority in the next few windows, so McNair would fit the bill and could become a very good squad player at Vicarage Road.

Leicester City

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Leicester have had major issues in recent years, and, even if they win promotion, it’s unlikely that they will be in a position to splash the cash.

As a result, the recruitment team will be looking for free agents to boost their squad, and McNair will appeal for the reasons outlined above. He can play a few positions, he is reliable, and he would bring experience to the group.

If Russell Martin is still in charge, he would certainly appreciate someone with McNair’s tactical understanding, and he is capable of building the ball out from the back in the way the ex-Southampton manager demands.

Even if the Foxes remain in League One, McNair may be open to dropping to the third tier in order to get regular game time.