Benitez begins summer spending - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Benitez begins summer spending

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.

Benitez believes Degen can provide an attacking edge down the right flank and told www.liverpoolfc.tv: "His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad."

He added: "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 Basle and so is used to top-level football.

"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality."

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."

The former Basel defender will vie with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for the right-back berth after he returns from Euro 2008.

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