/world sport
(CNN) -- Premier League giants Liverpool have made their first signing of the close season with the acquisition of Swiss international defender Philipp Degen.
Right-back Degen is a regular member of the Swiss national side.
The 25-year-old will provide competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa on the right side of defense and is to join Liverpool after playing in this summer's European Championships.
Degen has left Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer after being out of contract this summer.
He has spent four years in Germany having previously played for Basle in Switzerland, earning Champions League experience.
"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality," Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said. "His strength is going forward and I am confident he will prove to be a quality addition to our squad."
Degen said he was flattered to be approached by the Premier League club. "When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it," Degen 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."
Liverpool's title challenge fizzled out after a promising start and they were beaten in the semifinals of the Champions League by Chelsea.
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