American forward Bobby Wood joins Hamburg from Union Berlin

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) - United States forward Bobby Wood is joining Hamburger SV from German second division side Union Berlin.

The 23-year-old Wood has signed a four-year deal through June 2020, the Bundesliga club announced Sunday.

"We're very happy that we could realize this transfer so early and are looking forward to a young player with lots of potential, one who has also international experience from the national team," Hamburg chief executive Dietmar Beiersdorfer said.

Wood has four goals in 16 appearances for the United States.

Wood, who was born in Honolulu, has been playing in Germany for nine years. He joined 1860 Munich's youth setup from Irvine Strikers in 2007, going on to score three goals in 50 games for the first team in the second division.

Wood joined Union last summer after half a season on loan at Erzgebirge Aue. He scored 17 goals and set up three more in 30 league games this season for the capital club.

Hamburg was expected to struggle against relegation but finished relatively comfortably compared to recent seasons in 10th place and five points above the relegation zone.

"Everyone knows how difficult the last two years were for Hamburg," Wood told the club website. "This season there was more stability. You can see that something is slowly developing and that it's going upwards step-by-step. The club has huge potential. I want to help, to go on this route, and would be happy if I can also further develop at Hamburg."