Justin Che signs from FC Dallas

"Justin is a very talented player who can be used flexibly across the defence and stands out due to his speed and his skills on the ball," said director of football Alexander Rosen of the American youngster. In addition to the "player's extremely promising abilities", the "highly attractive conditions at the present moment" topped the transfer off, according to Rosen.

"TSG Hoffenheim are also known in the USA for their successful work with young players, which has been demonstrated in impressive fashion by the development of Chris Richards over recent months," said Che, who also holds a German passport and speaks the language fluently as he regularly visits his Mannheim-based grandparents.

The defender, who could also be deployed in the U19s due to his age, will be given a permanent spot in the senior squad and will be developed in a calm manner. Che was last year loaned from Dallas to FC Bayern Munich, where he made eight appearances in the third division for the German record champions' second team in the second half of the season. In recent months, the USA U20 international, who has twice been included in his country's senior squad (no appearances yet), has established himself with FC Dallas in the MLS (15 appearances, three assists).