SWISS STAR TO SIGN FOR REDS
Paul Eaton 20 May 2008
Liverpool Football Club today confirmed that Swiss international defender Philipp Degen will sign a contract with the club on July 1.
The right sided full-back - who will represent his country at this summer's European Championships - is out of contract with Borussia Dortmund this summer and has opted to begin a new career on Merseyside from next season.
Degen, 25, spent four seasons in his homeland with FC Basel before his move to the Bundesliga and will provide competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the right-back role at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland. 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."
He added: "Sometimes you can find these players on the market. When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad.
"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."
Looking ahead to the move, Degen said: "When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it. 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."
SWISS STAR TO SIGN FOR REDS
Paul Eaton 20 May 2008
Liverpool Football Club today confirmed that Swiss international defender Philipp Degen will sign a contract with the club on July 1.
The right sided full-back - who will represent his country at this summer's European Championships - is out of contract with Borussia Dortmund this summer and has opted to begin a new career on Merseyside from next season.
Degen, 25, spent four seasons in his homeland with FC Basel before his move to the Bundesliga and will provide competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the right-back role at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland. 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."
He added: "Sometimes you can find these players on the market. When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad.
"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."
Looking ahead to the move, Degen said: "When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it. 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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