Full back Philipp Degen’s arrival at Anfield was confirmed today, arriving on a free transfer from Borrusia Dortmund. He will officially sign on July 1st when the transfer window opens.
The 25 year old Swiss international right back is the first signing of the summer and brings doubts over Steve Finnan’s Liverpool future.
Rafa Benitez told the official LFC site “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.”
Interestingly, Setanta Sports late last night reported the deal was finalised before it was announced by the club today. With Setanta’s links through the official LFC TV channel, Setanta could yet be the ones to break any LFC related stories this summer. Mind, Degen’s arrival was no surprise after TIA first reported interest prior to the mainstream media in April.
Meanwhile, reports linking Liverpool with Italian left back Andrea Dossena continue, with Spanish football correspondent Guillem Ballague quoted on The Times’ podcast as saying Benitez has signed two full backs. He went on to say Gareth Barry is “close” and “only a striker remains”. How much Ballague knows is unsure but interesting nonetheless.
Some reports suggest talks between Liverpool and Udinese over the transfer of Dossena, who was left out of Italy’s squad for Euro 2008 today, are ongoing. The 26 year old left back has impressed in Serie A this season and is higly rated, with a fee in the region of £8m possible. Much like Degen, Dossena is renowned for his ability to get forward into attacking positions.
Elsewhere, reserve team goalkeeper David Martin has been linked with a loan move to Blackpool, Scott Carson’s asking price is reported to have been dropped to £6m in a bid to bring in transfer funds with Aston Villa reportedly looking at a loan deal for Man United keeper Ben Foster instead of signing Carson permanently.
