Lukas Rupp joins Norwich City from 1899 Hoffenheim

The German midfielder has put pen to paper on a contract that will run through to the summer of 2022.

Rupp, 29, joins the Canaries with a wealth of experience in German football.

After starting his career with Karlsruher SC he has since gone on to play top-flight football with the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach, SC Paderborn and VfB Stuttgart.

Speaking exclusively to canaries.co.uk, Rupp said: “I was in the training camp in Marbella with Hoffenheim and then two days later, I’m here so it’s been very quick. But I’m very happy to be here.

“It’s a childhood dream. I was in the Bundesliga for ten years now and it’s a new chapter for me. I wanted to be part of the team here and help the team stay in the Premier League.

“I know Mario Vrancic, I played with him at Paderborn, and from the national team I know Marco Stiepermann.

“It’s the first time that I’ve been out of Germany to play football. But I know this stadium [Carrow Road] already because with Monchengladbach, I had a friendly game against Norwich about seven years ago.

“I’m looking forward to training with the guys. Saturday [against AFC Bournemouth] is an important game and I can’t wait to get started.”

Head Coach Daniel Farke said: “Lukas is a great guy who has a lot of experience. He’s played for some very big clubs in Germany and has a lot of game time in the Bundesliga.

“He’s a versatile player who can play in a number of positions in the midfield and has also played at full-back.

“He’ll be a valuable option for us going forward and is a very good character. He’s an important signing for us and we’re happy that a player of his experience has committed to us.”