March 24, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; United States defender John Brooks (6) during the first half of the Men's World Cup Soccer Qualifier against the Honduras at Avaya Stadium. United States defeated Honduras 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

United States Men’s National Team defender, John Brooks, has signed with Wolfsburg until 2022.

One of the best defenders in the American system has made a move away from his home club of Hertha Berlin. Brooks will join Wolfsburg next season as he joins a side that had to ensure their spot in the Bundesliga next season in the relegation playoff.

Der VfL verpflichtet @j_brooks25 zur kommenden Spielzeit. Herzlich willkommen bei den Wölfen, John! 🐺➡️ https://t.co/9iowzNdG4n pic.twitter.com/QqSR7GHrpH — VfL Wolfsburg (@VfL_Wolfsburg) May 31, 2017

The transfer cost Wolfsburg an estimated €20 million, which is the most expensive transfer for an American player ever.

The reported $22M transfer fee for John Brooks is by far the largest ever paid for an American international: pic.twitter.com/4eJiEdglhZ — Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) May 31, 2017

Brooks had spent his entire career at Hertha until this point. He was a youth player who rose up through the ranks to become one of their best defensive players. The 24-year-old was part of their resurgence into the Bundesliga in 2013 when they were promoted back to the top-flight. In the 2016-17 season, he made 24 appearances and scored two goals.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave my hometown, but after the talks with Olaf Rebbe and Andries Jonker I wanted to join Wolfsburg because both soon convinced me of their plans for VfL,” said Brooks. “I want to contribute my share so that Wolfsburg live up to their earlier success.”

Wolfsburg’s sporting director was very optimistic about the signing.

“We are delighted to have signed John Anthony Brooks,” Rebbe said. “He is a highly talented and ambitious defender who will reinforce our defense. At 24, he is already very experienced.”

It was a tough season for Wolfsburg as they struggled to maintain good form and it almost cost them a spot in the German top flight next season. They will be looking to bolster their defense as they had a dismal -18 goal differential.

The American defender has made 30 appearances for the USMNT and has scored three goals. He was selected to the 27-player roster for the upcoming friendly and World Cup qualifying matches in June.