Liverpool Confirm Degen Signing
Borussia Dortmund's Swiss international defender Philipp Degen is to join Liverpool on a free transfer
The Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez has begun his rebuilding for next season with the signing of the Borussia Dortmund defender Philipp Degen.
The Swiss international, a right-back, will join the club on July 1 when his contract with the German club expires, and is likely to provide stiff competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the full-back role.
Degen, a 25-year-old who began his career at Basel before moving to Germany in 2005, is certain to figure prominently in the Swiss side in this summer's European Championships.
"Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland," said Benítez. "He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top level football."
"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality. His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad."
Degen himself had little hesitation in committing himself to the Reds. "When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it," he said. "They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am looking forward to the challenge of establishing myself there and playing in the best league there is."
The Swiss international, a right-back, will join the club on July 1 when his contract with the German club expires, and is likely to provide stiff competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the full-back role.
Degen, a 25-year-old who began his career at Basel before moving to Germany in 2005, is certain to figure prominently in the Swiss side in this summer's European Championships.
"Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland," said Benítez. "He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top level football."
"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality. His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad."
Degen himself had little hesitation in committing himself to the Reds. "When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it," he said. "They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am looking forward to the challenge of establishing myself there and playing in the best league there is."
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