Albright had been Technical Director at Union since retiring from the game in 2013, and during his tenure the club has won the Supporters’ Shield (2020), earned four playoff appearances, and finished runners up in the US Open Cup three times.

The club's academy has also grown to be one of the most respected in USA, with the likes of Zack Steffen (Manchester City), Mark McKenzie (KRC Genk) and Brenden Aaronson (RB Salzburg) all having earned big moves to Europe in recent seasons.

Albright succeeds Gerard Nijkamp as FC Cincinnati General Manager, with the Dutchman having left by mutual consent at the beginning of August.

He will report to President Jeff Berding and oversee all soccer-related areas, including: squad management; salary cap budgeting and administration; player scouting and acquisition; oversight of the coaching staff, sports performance staff and medical staff; and youth development and academy programmes.

Berding said: “Our search for our next general manager was extensive. Our new GM was going to be someone who knew what was required to win in Major League Soccer, experience that was non-negotiable. Delivering on that requirement, we are delighted to have found the best person for the job.”

Albright, who spent 15 years in MLS as a player and won 22 caps for USA, added: “This is a club with incredible supporters, top-of-the-league facilities and resources, and a hunger for success... I am committed to bringing all of my knowledge and experience to the table to make FC Cincinnati a championship club. I look forward to meeting the team, the staff and all of the fans, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Nijkamp had been FC Cincinnati General Manager since May 2019, joining from Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle, where he had been Technical Director since 2012.

FC Cincinnati are one of the longest-serving MLS clubs on the TransferRoom platform, having found success with incomings and outgoings.