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Liverpool sign Swiss international defender Degen

03/07/2008

Liverpool have completed the signing of Swiss international defender Philipp Degen from German side Borrusia Dortmund.

Degen moves to Anfield on a free transfer after his contact at Dortmund ended and he decided not to sign a new one. The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Liverpool and is expected to provide competition in the full-back positions.

"His strength is going forward," said Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez. "He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality.

"He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top-level football."

"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."

Degen has made 26 appearances for Switzerland and was in his country's Euro 2008 squad, although he was an unused substitute throughout the tournament.

Benitez admitted that he was happy to "find a player like Degen who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad."

And the money that the Liverpool manager is expected to spend will go on Udinese defender Andrea Dossena and Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.