Chelsea completed the signing of Antonio Rudiger from Roma on a five-year deal worth €34 million.
The 24-year-old, who helped Germany lift the Confederations Cup last week, will take over the vacant number two jersey after Branislav Ivanovic’s departure to Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Rudiger’s move will see the German international join a short list of compatriots who have made the switch to West London.
We take a look at two fellow Germans who were a hit at Chelsea and two who were a miss.
HITS
ANDRE SCHURRLE: Chelsea 2013-15 – €21 million
He penned a five-year deal from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 and went on to make 65 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 14 goals.
One of his highlights in the Blue jersey was a first Premier League hat-trick in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Fulham in the West London derby in 2014.
As time went on, he struggled to hold down a starting place as Jose Mourinho opted for Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian just behind Diego Costa.
After signing for Wolfsburg in early 2015, Chelsea went on to win the Premier League, and Schurrle was even surprised to receive a text message from Mourinho to collect his winners medal after he played the required 14 games that season before leaving the club.
Andre Schurrle.
MICHAEL BALLACK: Chelsea 2006-10 – FREE
After securing back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, Chelsea bolstered their squad with the signing of Ballack from Bayern Munich ahead of the 2006-2007 campaign.
A totemic presence, Ballack alternated in a three man midfield with Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, with Claude Makele in the holding role.
The former German skipper enjoyed much success at the club making 106 appearances and winning a Premier League title, three FA Cups and a League Cup.
He also played in the Champions League final defeat to Manchester United in 2008.
Michael Ballack.
MISSES
ROBERT HUTH: Chelsea 2002-06 – €8 million
A powerhouse in defence, Huth enjoyed a mixed spell at the club as he was restricted to limited game time under Mourinho.
With John Terry, William Gallas and Ricardo Carvalho ahead of him in the squad, Huth was underused but proved to be a menacing presence whenever introduced.
Unhappy with his lack of first team chances, the German completed a move to Middlesbrough in 2006.
Now, at Leicester City, the German continues to pose a powerful defensive threat for Craig Shakespeare’s men.
Interesting, he’s won three Premier League titles – two with Chelsea and one with the Foxes.
Robert Huth.
MARKO MARIN: Chelsea 2012-16 – €8 million
With just 143 Premier League minutes, four loan spells and a single goal, Marin endured a disastrous spell at Chelsea.
Famously nicknamed the ‘German Messi’, Marin made only six appearances for the Blues and was shipped out on loan to Sevilla, Fiorentina, Anderlecht and Trabzonspor during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Hampered by injuries, the 28-year-old was capped 16 times by Germany but made his last appearance in 2010 – at just 21.
Marko Marin.