It has been a busy week for VfL Bochum, who have had two players join and one depart.
Alexander Merkel has joined the club on a free transfer from AC Pisa, while Pawel Dawidowicz has been loaned to the Ruhrpott club for the season by SL Benfica.
The other deal involved Tobias Weis, as the experienced midfielder agreed to a contract termination.
Merkel keen to make his mark
To make his breakthrough to professional football in the AC Milan side of the noughties, late teens is perhaps the reason why there was so much hype surrounding Merkel.
However, the 24-year-old has now made the move back to Germany after eight years away and a speight of clubs where he failed to show his potential.
Like many others who have come before, Bochum could well be the side that he finds the trust and playing time needed to flourish.
Signed on a two-year deal, Merkel will be raring to show everyone that he is the real deal.
Dawidowicz hoping for a successful loan
The Polish youngster has joined on a season-long loan and will provide cover to the stretched Bochum back-line, with Patrick Fabian still out with an ACL tear.
Tim Hoogland is currently deputising at centre-back and has done a superb job thus far, but Dawidowicz will be an ample replacement should he be struck down with injury.
Having also played in defensive midfield, the 21-year-old will be hoping to get his fair share of playing time at the Vonovia-Ruhrstadion.
Weis leaves after a less-than pleasing spell in the Ruhr
The 31-year-old made just 18 appearances in his two-season stay with Bochum, part down to injuries and the form of Tim Hoogland and Anthony Losilla.
Weis arrived from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and scored two goals in his limited time on the pitch, with the club thanking him for his service before terminating his deal.