The 29-year-old left former club Valencia on mutual consent and Hoffenheim coach Ralf Rangnick told Bild on Wednesday that the guardian signed for the club until 2010.

The former Stuttgart keeper has endured a tough spell since joining Valencia in 2007, where he failed to establish himself as a regular starter.

With Los Ches buying Brazilian Renan Brito last summer, Hildebrand was clearly out of new coach Unai Emery’s plans.

The move to Hoffenheim will see Hildebrand reunite with Rangnick, who was the first coach to promote the goalie through the Stuttgart youth ranks.

Bundesliga newcomers Hoffenheim have been this season’s surprise package, leading the table with 34 points after 16 games.