Marcelo Diaz joins Hamburger SV

Hamburger SV have confirmed the signing of Marcelo Diaz from Basel on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The Bundesliga club have reacted to their disappointing form by entering the transfer market once again as Chilean midfielder Diaz joins Ivica Olic in making the switch to the Imtech Arena.

"We saw Marcelo's qualities at the World Cup last summer. He is someone who wants the ball, wants the game focused on him even in difficult situations," sporting director Peter Knaebel told reporters.

"He can be a bridge for our game when we go forward. That is what I expect from him and that is what he has already done at top level."

Diaz had made 18 appearances for Basel this season before securing his move to Germany.