The Bundesliga's top 2013 summer transfers
Silly season has brought a number of new faces to Germany this summer. From Bayern to Braunschweig, teams are strengthening their squads with new signings. DW takes a look at some of the top player transfers thus far.
Thiago Alcantara - Bayern Munich
Signing Thiago was Bayern Coach Pep Guardiola's "great wish." The Spaniard joined up with his old boss when he transferred from Barcelona for 25 million euros ($33 million). The 22-year-old could become an important part of Bayern's midfield, though he's up against stiff competition for playing time. Thiago's arrival might also prompt the departure of Brazilian international Luiz Gustavo.
Mario Götze - Bayern Munich
Götze broke Borussia Dortmund fans' hearts when he made the 37-million-euro ($49-million) move to rivals Bayern ahead of the Champions League final. The 21-year-old German international is yet another immense talent crammed into Bayern's increasingly packed squad. Many predict Guardiola could play him as a "false nine" up front, a role he played for Dortmund only in emergencies.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Borussia Dortmund
The departure of Götze had many Dortmund fans worried that it was the beginning of the end for the young side that had achieved so much. Not this summer, as it turns out. Aubameyang is a true attacking talent, brought in from French club St. Etienne. He made an immediate impact, providing an assist on his debut in Dortmund's Supercup win over Bayern.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Borussia Dortmund
Mkhitaryan joined Dortmund from Shaktar Donetsk for 25 million euros ($33 million), a record fee for the club. The prolific midfielder is also the latest addition to a squad that could send shivers down the spine even of a spelling bee grandmaster. The Armenian winger attracted interest from around Europe, and he reportedly snubbed Liverpool to head to the Ruhr valley.
Heung-Min Son - Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen had an attacking spot to fill after Andre Schürrle left for Chelsea and it looks like they've found their replacement in Son. The speedy South Korean winger had a breakout season last year with Hamburg, scoring 12 goals. The success prompted a move south reported to be in the range of 10 million euros ($13 million).
Leon Goretzka - Schalke
Considered one of the brightest young German football talents, Goretzka attracted attention during his single season at Bochum. He was a key part of the club's midfield at just 17 years old. He joins Schalke a squad with a wealth of skillful German teenagers, like Julian Draxler and Max Meyer.
Max Kruse - Borussia Mönchengladbach
Kruse was one of the best young players on a Freiburg squad that surprised everyone last season, finishing just two points shy of qualifying for the Champions League. Versatile, quick and boasting a skilled left foot, the 24-year-old German is expected to form a dangerous partnership with Patrick Hermann and fellow new signing Rafael.
Halil Altintop - Augsburg
Altintop's move to Augsburg brought him back to the Bundesliga for the first time since 2011. A former Schalke standout just like his twin brother Hamit, Altintop brings attacking skill and experience to an Augsburg side that has fought hard to stay in the Bundesliga the past two seasons.
Daniel Schahin - Mainz
Schahin shone more than most as Fortuna Düsseldorf slumped to relegation last season. Unlike most of his former teammates, the 24-year-old striker gets to play another season of Bundesliga football after a reported 1.5-million-euro ($2-million) move to Mainz. If anyone can get the most out of Schahin, it's a resourceful coach like Thomas Tuchel who has several gaps to fill this season.
Adam Szalai - Schalke
Hungarian striker Adam Szalai is the biggest hole left in Tuchel's squad. But Mainz's loss is Schalke's gain. The Royal Blues swooped on a contractual clause, poaching the poacher for 8 million euros. If Szalai recreates the 13-Bundesliga-goal season he managed with Mainz, it would prove money well spent.
Cedric Makiadi - Werder Bremen
Makiadi was a motor behind Freiburg's success last season. The 29-year-old midfielder moves north with big expectations that he could bring much-needed calmness and consistency to a Bremen side that were anything but during the previous campaign.
Leonardo Bittencourt - Hanover
Bittencourt couldn't manage to earn a regular place in Borussia Dortmund's talented squad. With Hanover, seeking a return to European football after missing the grade last season, the 19-year-old is likely to see more action. A German under-20 international, some think he could don the senior jersey in the future.
Gelson Fernandes - Freiburg
Freiburg surprised everyone to a fifth place finish in the Bundesliga last year, but the departures of numerous key players left many wondering if their super season was a one-off. Freiburg at least have other ideas. The southern club have brought in a number of new players, none more notable than Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes. He joins from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.
Simeon Jackson - Eintracht Braunschweig
Jackson (pictured above left) is newly-promoted Eintracht Braunschweig's marquee signing of the summer. The 26-year-old Canadian international joins the club from Norwich City in the English Premier League. He left the Canada squad playing in the CONCACAF Guld Cup to join his new club, scoring on his preseason debut.
Anthony Modeste - Hoffenheim
Never shy to spend money, Modeste is Hoffenheim's latest foreign signing. He joins from Bordeaux after spending last season on loan at Bastia. At 25, he is one of the older strikers on Hoffenheim's young, expensive roster. His 14 Ligue 1 goals last season gives fans hope that he has what it takes to help Hoffenheim improve on last year's nailbiting escape from relegation.
Luiz Gustavo - Wolfsburg
Luiz Gustavo made German football fans happy when he chose to remain in the Bundesliga. Turning down offers from the likes of Arsenal, the Brazilian midfielder left a crowded Bayern Munich side in a bid for more playing time ahead of the World Cup. He has become an instant hit in the spine of Wolfsburg's lineup, completing an impressive 98 percent of his passes in his debut.