Gebhart arrived this week from second division 1860 Munich, Stuttgart signing the 19-year-old on a three-and-a-half year contract for a reported €3 million.

The transfer was the highlight of a miserly round of transfer window business in the Bundesliga with clubs treading carefully amid the financial crisis.

“My goal was always to play in the top flight. I have chosen Stuttgart, which is a club that puts its confidence in young players,” said Gebhart. Stuttgart, champions in 2007, are currently only tenth and 10 points behind surprise leaders Hoffenheim.

Former Mexico international Pavel Pardo meanwhile left the club to head home to FC America after three seasons in which the 32-year-old only netted four goals.