Liverpool supporters may well be feeling a little underwhelmed by the news that manager Rafa Benitez has made Switzerland right-back Philipp Degen his first signing of the close season. It’s not the big-money transfer the fans are crying out for after yet another season without silverware.
Degen, 25, will make the move to Merseyside on a free transfer from German outfit Borussia Dortmund on July 1 when his current contract expires.
“[Degen] is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality,” the Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez told the club website.
“His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad.”
Having played in the Champions League, Uefa Cup and expected to feature for his country at Euro 2008, there’s no doubt Degen has plenty of experience. It remains to be seen, however, whether he will be a first-team regular for Liverpool or just necessary cover for the ever-inconsistent Alvaro Arbeloa.
Degen’s arrival may well signal the end of Steven Finnan’s time on Merseyside. The Irishman struggled to break into the first-team last season and, being on the wrong side of thirty, could well be on his way out of Anfield.
Still, Degen’s happy.
“When I received the offer from Liverpool,” he told Liverpool FC.tv, “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.”