Looking to consolidate their spot in the top flight without breaking the bank, Hertha BSC have kept their transfer spending down this summer. While deciding youth is the best policy, Die Alte Dame ("the old lady") has opted for solid under the radar options rather than splashing out on bigger names.

Valentino Lazaro (RB Salzburg, €6.5m)

Hertha BSC's biggest signing of the summer is not technically a new face. Signed from Austrian champions RB Salzburg last year on loan, winger Valentino Lazaro makes the move permanent for 6.5 million Euro.

Although he is just 22 years old, Lazaro has plenty of top-level experience. He played 26 times for Pál Dárdai's side last season, having made his debut in the Austrian Bundesliga as a teenager. In racking up more than a hundred appearances for Die Roten Bullen, he collected a total of six league and cup winners' medals.

Lazaro's goal count of two with five assists is not massively impressive, but the mix of youth and experience, in addition to his familiarity with the Berlin club, should stand him in good stead. He also has thirteen international caps for Austria, having made his debut aged just 18 in 2014.

Pascal Köpke (FC Erzgebirge Aue, €2m)

The surname will be familiar to all keen followers and fans of German football. The son of former German international goalkeeper Andreas, Pascal Köpke has followed his father into football, but taken a slightly different route as a centre-forward.

Having started out his professional career with SpVgg Unterhaching after graduating through the youth ranks at his father's former side 1. FC Nürnberg, the younger Köpke made his mark with Erzgebirge Aue. Having helped the Eastern German team win promotion in 2016/17, Köpke's goals were crucial as they hung onto their place in the second tier.

With 30 goals in 83 games for Die Veilchen ("the violets"), Köpkehad attracted plenty of suitors in the top flight, with Hertha bagging the deal. At 2 million Euro, the 22 year old could prove to be an excellent investment.

Lukas Klünter (1. FC Köln, €2m)

Hertha's third 22 year old is Lukas Klünter, a versatile right-sided defender who can also play in midfield. One of the many players to head for the exit door at relegated 1. FC Köln, Klünter has one top flight season under his belt, after previously playing for Köln's second and junior teams.

Klünter had become a regular with the cathedral city club, racking up 27 appearances and scoring two goals. The price tag of 2 million Euro could prove to be a bargain for Die Alte Dame.

A move to the German capital could be the perfect step up for Klünter, who will look to continue his development through the national team ranks. Having played for Germany at both Under-19 and Under-20 level, he would get his first taste of international glory in last year's European Under-21 Championship in Poland.

For more Bundesliga fun stuff, check out my Little Bundesliga Book project. Copies of the 2016 pocket book are still available, with the aim of raising funds for a new edition at the end of this season.

Soccer / lukas klünter

Bundesliga New Signings: Hertha BSC

Bundesliga New Signings: Hertha BSC

Bundesliga New Signings: Hertha BSC