The Bundesliga is once again fashionably late with its opening round of fixtures this season, and while leagues across Europe are already beginning to take shape, the top flight in Germany is yet to kick off.
But with the division's curtain-raiser between reigning champions Bayern Munich and TSG Hoffenheim within touching distance, what better time to look at a handful of players who could shine in their first ever year in the Bundesliga.
A number of players have arrived from across the world and will all stake a claim to win the coveted "Rookie Award" each month, as well as being crowned as the best newcomer this season - something which was last won by Schalke 04's Amine Harit.
So with the new league campaign in Germany just around the corner, here's a look at seven summer arrivals to keep an eye during the 2018/19 season.
7. Kasim Adams
One player who fans could see on the opening day is 23-year-old centre back Kasim Adams, who completed a summer move to TSG Hoffenheim.
The former BSC Young Boys star, who has also spent time developing in Spain, will have his hands full of competition under Julian Nagelsmann this season but following an €8m move to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Adams could soon find himself as a regular feature in the club's 3-5-2 formation.
6. Nordi Mukiele
As the third most expensive player on this list, it is surprising that Nordi Mukiele's €16m switch from Montpellier to RB Leipzig has flown under the radar for some Bundesliga fans.
The 20-year-old already has three appearances to his name for Die Roten Bullen, with his most recent in the DFB-Pokal coming as a centre back despite being most commonly known as a full back.
Mukiele's versatility will be invaluable for Leipzig during their transitional year under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick, and the youngster could form a formidable partnership alongside teenage superstar Dayot Upamecano.
5. Alassane Pléa
Former France Under-21 international Alassane Pléa is the most expensive new arrival in the Bundesliga, and second only to Abdou Diallo throughout all the transfers during the summer.
At €23m, Borussia Mönchengladbach had to dig deep in their hopes of finally finding a player who can lead the line every week for them this season.
Although the likes of Raffael and Lars Stindl can be deployed as an out and out striker, the presence of Pléa in the final third should offer the Foals a much-needed focal point in their search for European qualification next season.
Pléa is certainly one to watch this season, but don't be surprised when the striker ends the season without a single Rookie Award nomination, as the former OGC Nice star is too old to be up for consideration.
4. Hamza Mendyl
The second of three full backs who make this list, 20-year-old Hamza Mendyl could become a household name of European football this season - let alone in the Bundesliga.
The last player to leave LOSC Lille in favour of a move to Germany was Benjamin Pavard in 2016, a player who has just returned from winning the World Cup with France during the summer.
With a chance to work under Domenico Tedesco, a coach who has gone largely unnoticed on the continent due to the hype surrounding Hoffenheim's Nagelsmann, the Morocco international could quickly be in the sights of Europe's biggest clubs.
3. Matheus Cunha
Although one striker on this list won't be available for selection when it come's to the Bundesliga's Rookie Award, 19-year-old Matheus Cunha could be a favourite to be one of the stars of the 2018/19 season.
The Brazil Under-20 international completed a €15m move from Swiss side FC Sion during the summer, and he has already hit the ground running in Saxony - scoring twice during their Europa League qualifying campaign.
After seeing one tall striker already take the Bundesliga by storm in the form of Yussuf 'Yurary' Poulsen, there is every chance that Cunha could be the perfect partner alongside Timo Werner under temporary manager Ralf Rangnick.
2. Pablo Maffeo
With both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi still trying to find their way out of Pablo Maffeo's pocket from last season, there's no real surprises to see the 21-year-old full back make his way onto this list.
The former Manchester City star completed a surprise €9m move to VfB Stuttgart early in the summer transfer window, and the Spain Under-21 international has already impressed during pre-season - either in his natural position at right back or further up the pitch in midfield.
1. Paulinho
For anyone who has been keeping an eye on Bundesliga transfers throughout the summer, it should come as no shock that Bayer Leverkusen's €18.5m singing Paulinho tops this list.
The 18-year-old is one of the latest Brazilian wonderkids to move to Europe at an early age, having impressed in the ranks at Vasco da Gama. The teenager singed a five-year contract at the BayArena and is set to challenge for a place in the first team alongside the likes of Julian Brandt and Leon Bailey.
Having already made his debut during Leverkusen's narrow win over fifth tier side CfR Pforzheim in the DFB-Pokal, Paulinho could prove to be one of the breakout stars of the season and he could even fight his way into Tite's Brazil squad.