Full backs Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena (pictured) have finalised their moves to Liverpool, both signing four year contracts this week. Degen’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund on a Bosman free signing has long been confirmed, while Dossena’s move has been imminent for sometime too.
Dossena joins from Serie A side Udinese for a fee reportedly in the region of £7m, he is seen as direct replacement for John Arne Riise down the Reds’ left side. The 26 year old becomes the first Italian international at Liverpool, having made his debut for his nation last October.
With the full back areas now strengthened, Rafa Benitez and Rick Parry are working to bring in targets for other areas; the Gareth Barry saga rumbles on with Villa still demanding £18m, while Robbie Keane will reportedly be allowed to leave Spurs for £10m plus Peter Crouch.
One area Benitez is certainly looking to improve, despite the failure to so far sell Scott Carson, is for a back-up goalkeeper to replace Charles Itandje. The latest name to be linked with the position is Brazlian Diego Cavalieri. A fee of £3m is being reported for the 26 year old from Palmeiras.
Another signing which has been completed is that of German ‘wonderkid’ Christopher Buchtmann, the 16-year-old has moved from Borussia Dortmund and is described as one of Gemany’s most talented youngsters, capable of playing anywhere down the left.
Harry Kewell‘s departure from Anfield has been confirmed for some time but his new club remains in doubt despite Galatasaray announcing a deal for the Aussie forward. Kewell’s agent has today said no final agreement has been made.
Former Liverpool striker Florent Sinama Pongolle, who left for Recreativo De Huelva in 2006, has joined Atletico Madrid.
Degen completed his first training session at Melwood on Friday, and interntionals who played for their country after the season ended (Gerrard, Crouch, Mascherano) will return to training on Monday.
