Degen signs Reds contract

Defender to provide extra competition in Benitez's squad

Last updated: 3rd July 2008

Philipp Degen Borussia Dortmund

Degen: Signed Reds contract

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Swiss full-back Philipp Degen has officially completed his free transfer move to Liverpool.

Degen was available on a Bosman deal after opting against signing a new contract at Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool confirmed in May that Degen was on his way to Anfield and the right-back signed his four-year contract on Thursday.

He was part of Switzerland's Euro 2008 squad and will vie with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for a starting spot next season.

Player of potential

At the time of the signing, Reds boss Rafa Benitez admitted it was important to pick up free transfers in order to use his money on other areas of the squad.

"Sometimes you can find these players on the market," said Benitez on the club's official website.

"When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad.

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