Chairman Alan Sugar, holidaying on his yacht off the south of France, completed top-secret negotiations. Klinsmann was 30 during the World Cup in the United States, where Germany suffered the disappointment of quarterfinal defeat by Bulgaria.
But Klinsmann scored five goals in the tournament, catching the eye as he had done four years earlier when he helped his country lift the World Cup in Rome.
His signing represents another coup for Sugar and manager Ossie Ardiles, who were later Friday unveiling $3.95 million Romanian midfield recruit Ilie Dumitrescu at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham starts the new season minus six points, after being found guilty of making irregular payments to players.
It was also fined ?1.5 million and banned from this season's FA Cup.
Apart from also signing Dumitrescu from Steaua Bucharest, Tottenham has been chasing similarly priced Brazilian defender Marcio Santos, of Bordeaux, and compatriot Muller, of Sao Paulo.
The activity may rub off on the bookmakers who last week were offering Tottenham at 125-1 for the premier-league title, conscious of the six-point handicap the club faces before a ball is kicked.
Klinsmann, 1988 European footballer of the year, began his career with Stuttgarter Kickers. Later he played in Italy for Inter Milan, with whom he won the UEFA Cup in 1991.
The German, often criticized for his theatrical falling in and around the penalty area, moved to Real Madrid at the start of the 1992-93 season and then to Monaco.
His arrival at Spurs will reap a significant box-office return for the London club and its rivals, starting with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Aug. 20.
Tottenham then faces home games against Everton and Manchester United in the space of four days.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.