John Brooks is back in the German Bundesliga as he has signed with TSG Hoffenheim from Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica, the club announced on Thursday.
The 29-year-old has signed a deal with the Blues until June 30, 2024. According to reports, both clubs agreed to a transfer fee of $327,000 for the center-back, a huge difference from the record $22.5-million dollar transfer he made to Wolfsburg back in 2017.
Hoffenheim is struggling in the league currently as they have gone winless in their past seven games, leaving them in 13th place in the standings and five points away from the relegation spots.
The club was in need of help due to a rash of injuries among the team and that led them to make the move for the Berlin-born defender.
“Jay is a seasoned, tough-tackling and aerially strong defender who really needs no further introduction, as he has already impressively demonstrated his qualities across more than 200 Bundesliga appearances,” said Alexander Rosen, Hoffenheim’s director of football in a statement on the club’s website. “He should and will contribute to improving our defensive stability with his experience, his vision and his presence.”
After leaving Wolfsburg following the 2021-2022 Bundesliga season, Brooks would go through the entire summer transfer window without signing with a new club. He then signed with Benfica on September 1, 2022. However, he found it hard to get playing time as he only made two appearances for the Eagles.
“I’m delighted to be returning to the Bundesliga,” said Brooks. “I know both the league and TSG very well, and am highly motivated to get started straight away and do my bit to help us get back on the path to success in the short term.”
Brooks could see his first action for Hoffenheim when they welcome Joe Scally and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Rhein Nekar Arena on Saturday.