Charlie Hatch

chatch@enquirer.com

Futbol Club Cincinnati's first offseason signing is complete.

FC Cincinnati has signed Maccabi Haifa captain and center-back Dekel Keinen, the Israeli Premier League club announced this morning.

Keinan is a 6-foot, 33-year-old defender who plays for the most notable club in Israel. He has also appeared for the national team.

Israeli media outlet One said the deal is reportedly worth $150,000 per season for two seasons.

He will join Cincinnati in January.

The move to FC Cincinnati isn't surprising. Head coach Alan Koch just returned from a 13-day trip to recruit players for the upcoming 2018 season. Before Keinan, the team only had nine players on its roster.

Koch did visit Israel.

FC Cincinnati is currently looking to bolster its center-back position. The two regular starters for the past two seasons, captain Austin Berry and Harrison Delbridge, remain unsigned. Delbridge was named to the United Soccer League First Team on Wednesday afternoon.

Keinan began his career in the Maccabi Haifa youth system, then joined the senior team. Beginning in 2010, the center-back joined various clubs in England, playing on loan deals or signed on free transfers. He played in the Championship, the second-tier of English soccer.

"To leave a home is always difficult, but it is an opportunity that will not be repeated," Keinan told the Maccabi Haifa website. "I am facing a new and unique challenge. Green and Maccabi Haifa will always be in my heart."