Nick Hagglund re-signs with FC Cincinnati through 2023

FC Cincinnati have announced the re-signing of defender Nick Hagglund.

Having previously played for Toronto FC, the 29-year-old center-back has been with FC Cincinnati - his hometown club - since their 2019 expansion season, making 59 appearances and scoring two goals during that time.

Hagglund's previous contract expired at the end of the 2021 campaign but the Orange and Blue announced on Friday that he would remain at TQL Stadium through 2023, with a club option for a further year.

“We’re thrilled to have Nick back with FC Cincinnati,” said FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright in a club press release. “He culturally embodies how we want to build our team, and his leadership and experience are important for our group.”

The re-signing of Hagglund is the latest step in a busy off-season for FC Cincinnati, who are looking to move away from the bottom of the overall standings for the first time since becoming an MLS outfit. Last season, they won just four of their 34 games and conceded a league-high 74 goals.

The Ohio club have been boosted by the arrival of Albright, as well as appointing former Philadelphia Union assistant Pat Noonan as their new head coach. Together, they've already recruited goalkeeper Alec Kann, defenders Alvas Powell, Raymon Gaddis, Gustavo Vallecilla, and John Nelson, and forward Dominique Badji. Cincy also picked up Ian Murphy and Roman Celentano in the recent MLS SuperDraft.

Noonan's side open their 2022 MLS campaign away at Austin FC on February 26 before hosting DC United.