Reds confirm signing of Swiss defender Degen

gasband SG

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=537007&cc=4716

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has begun his summer overhaul of the Reds' underperforming squad by bringing in Switzerland right-back Philipp Degen on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old will leave Borussia Dortmund for Anfield on July 1 when his contract with the Bundesliga club expires. The former Basel defender will vie with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for the right-back berth after he returns from Euro 2008. Benitez believes Degen can provide an attacking edge down the right flank. He 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.' Degen admitted he took little time to agree to the transfer. '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.'

gasband SG

to be honest, dun know who is he. But a young right back is needed to take over from the ageing Finnan. Who knows he may turn out to be good. Afterall he is a Swiss International who will be playing at the Euro 2008.

Master -_- SG

not bad leh..strikers confronting him sure kana slowed down by 20% because of his aura

redDUST SG

just another 1 season wonder bench warmer?

just focus on 2-3 quality signing and get on with the business. we gambled on too many unknowns, hoping to get lucky.

we should concentrate on doing another `torres' find this new season.

brokenluv SG

no harm, hes free transfer

X-men SG

Sigh.. I wonder if Finnan is on the exit list or has he exited?

sebosebo SG

have we got dossena already?

limpper SG

yup, we got dossena already. for 7 or 8M if im not wrong.

to be honest as well, i have not heard anything about this lad before. lol. just hope he turn out well ya.

this is funny.

chelsea got ballack on a free transfer & he is superb.

liverpool got voronin on a free transfer too, but he scuks big time -.-

dragg SG

Sigh.. I wonder if Finnan is on the exit list or has he exited?

finnan? why let him go. he is a great defender.

kopiosatu SG

i dun find anything wrong with voronin. i would consider him a better transfer than michael owen.

voronin is ok being a fringe player. we need players like that sometimes.