Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath has made his first move in the transfer market a week to go before it officially opens by signing midfielder Petr Jiracek from Viktoria Plzen.
Jiracek, 25, will join the Wolves on January 2 having agreed terms on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
The two clubs have also reached an agreement on an undisclosed transfer fee for the Czech Republic international, who Magath believes will give his side a new edge during the second half of the season.
"I am delighted that we have been able to sign a player who has experience in the Champions League and internationally,'' Magath said.
"Jiracek is a versatile midfielder. His effort and willingness to run - qualities that we need for a better second half of the season - are his defining factors.''
Jiracek, who played in each of Plzen's six Champions League group fixtures this season, says the move to the Bundesliga takes his career forward, even if he is giving up a place in the Europa League with Plzen.
"To play in the Bundesliga is a huge step for me and it has always been my goal,'' he said. "After visiting Wolfsburg and talking with Felix Magath, I was immediately convinced that they are the right club for me. It is a dream to play for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.''
Wolfsburg ended 2011 with just 20 points from their first 17 games of the season, including nine defeats. They are six points behind the top six at the turn of the year.
