Hoffenheim sign US international John Brooks

Bundesliga side Hoffenheim have signed United States international John Brooks from Benfica, the German club confirmed on Thursday.

Brooks, 29, whose contract with the Portuguese side was set to expire in June, has agreed a deal which runs until 2024.

Berlin-born Brooks, who qualifies for the US team due to his American father, has spent the majority of his career in the Bundesliga, playing 216 times in the division and scoring 12 goals.

Welcome to Hoffenheim, Jay!#TSG have signed John Anthony #Brooks. The 29-year-old moves to Kraichgau from Benfica and has signed a contract until 30th June 2024. pic.twitter.com/vxire79B86— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) January 26, 2023

The centre-back moved to Wolfsburg from Hertha Berlin in 2017 for a reported fee of €20 million, which was a record for an American player at the time.

Brooks endured a difficult time at Benfica after joining last summer, playing just two minutes in two league appearances.

Despite never living in the US, Brooks has played 45 times for the national team, although not since 2021.

"I know the league and also Hoffenheim well and I am highly motivated to get started immediately and do my part to see that we get back on the road to success," Brooks said in a club statement on Thursday.

"I know the league and TSG really well and am highly motivated to get going straight away and do my part to get us back to winning ways quickly."

?? ???????? ?????????????? ???????????? ?? https://t.co/nQICeOVb0G pic.twitter.com/Xf413z4q7T— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) January 26, 2023

Hoffenheim currently sit 13th, three points above the relegation playoff spot. Brooks is in line to make his Hoffenheim debut in Saturday's home clash with Borussia Moenchengladbach.