Hoffenheim have completed their swoop for Liverpool forward Ryan Babel.
Babel has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since his big-money move from Ajax in 2007, scoring just 22 goals in 146 appearances, and has been linked with a return to the Amsterdam club or a switch to Hoffenheim in recent weeks.
The move to Ajax would have seen Babel used as a makeweight in a deal to sign Luis Suarez, but it is Hoffenheim who have landed the 24-year-old for a reported £6m fee.
And Babel, who has put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with the option for a further year, told the club’s official website: “I am looking forward to my new mission in Hoffenheim.
“My first impressions are absolutely positive. I hope now to be able to quickly get into the team.”
Manager Ernst Tanner added: “We are very proud to be able to sign in Ryan Babel an internationally-experienced player from a top club like Liverpool.
“We are convinced that he is a big gain for us with his character traits and his sporting qualities.”