Kenny Saief's move to FC Cincinnati and Major League Soccer was a self-described leap of faith.

It was also a demonstration of the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes with FC Cincinnati's on-the-fly roster build.

Specifically, it was the work of club Technical Director Luke Sassano that appears to have pushed Cincinnati's latest noteworthy piece of business across the finish line.

Saief, 25, also of the U.S. men's national team, comes to FC Cincinnati at a time when he had fallen out of the lineup and somewhat out of favor at RSC Anderlecht of the Belgian Pro League this season.

More:FC Cincinnati acquire midfielder Kenny Saief from RSC Anderlecht

More:What the reported loan deal for USMNT playmaker Kenny Saief would mean for FC Cincinnati

"I didn't believe it was going to happen but in life everything is possible. So, I talked to Luke and he actually told me about the ambitions of the club and it kind of interested me," Saief said during a Wednesday event for FC Cincinnati season-ticket holders. "Something inside me said this is the right place to be and I was convinced to come here.

"I didn't know about the club until I got interest from here (FC Cincinnati). The beginning at (Anderlecht) was really nice. I had a really good time there. At the end, it was a bit difficult but actually, I had great years in Belgium and now I'm very happy. Luke really convinced me. Like I said, something inside me said 'this is the right place.' Mostly, I'm following my heart."

Saief said he reached out to former FC Cincinnati captain Dekel Keinan for advice on the club. Keinan, Saief said, had only positive things to say about FC Cincinnati.

Saief was just hours removed from finalizing his loan move to Cincinnati when he arrived at the club's Wednesday evening event at Taft's Brewporium at 4831 Spring Grove Ave.

It was there that he described Sassano's relentless pursuit of him over the last week or two.

Sassano's pursuit of Saief probably dates back far longer than weeks, though.

Saief should be available for selection for FC Cincinnati's Sunday match at Atlanta United, although he'll have just two days of training to prepare for the match and get acclimated to his teammates.

Whether or not he's selected by head coach Alan Koch is another matter entirely.

It could be an unreasonable ask to expect Saief to contribute immediately, but the loan move was pushed along in an effort to give him an opportunity to play Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Sassano was not made available for comment on Saief's loan deal.