我愛朗拿度

Liverpool complete Degen signing



Liverpool have finalised the transfer of Switzerland international defender Philipp Degen on a free transfer from German club Borussia Dortmund.

The 25-year-old former Basel player, who will compete with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for the right-back berth, has signed a four-year deal.

An unused substitute during Euro 2008, Degen agreed to join Liverpool in May.

Liverpool also expect to complete the signing of Udinese defender Andrea Dossena in the next few days.

Degen began his career with Basel in 1996, making his debut in 2001, before joining Dortmund in 2005.

"His strength is going forward," Reds manager Rafael Benitez told Liverpool's website when the agreement was confirmed.

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

"He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top-level football."

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

Degen - whose twin brother David plays for Basel - has made 26 appearances for Switzerland since making his international debut in 2005.

[ Last edited by 我愛朗拿度 on 2008-7-4 at 06:27 PM ]

我愛朗拿度

Galatasaray Announce Kewell Capture




Former Leeds United midfielder Harry Kewell has reportedly completed a controversial move to Galatasaray.

The 29-year old, who was released by Liverpool in May after an injury-troubled spell at Anfield, was widely expected to move to Portsmouth within the next few days.

However, the Australia international has risked the backlash of English football fans with the decision to join the Turkish club.

The player angered fans at Elland Road after he refused to sign a new deal with the club, instead holding them to ransom until they accepted a cut-price ￡5 million offer from Liverpool.

The move will also heighten the tension between fans of Leeds United and their Turkish counterpart which stems from the dreadful scenes witnessed in 2000 before the sides’ UEFA Cup semi-final, with two innocent fans of the English club stabbed to death during violent clashes.

It was not the first incident of violence involving Galatasaray, with Manchester United fans also targeted by hooligan sects in 1993 and more recently during Champiosn League fixtures.

Kewell’s career has failed to hit the heights of his spell with The Whites, where he established himself as one of the best left-wingers in Europe, and he now looks set to sign a three-year deal with the club.

Galatasaray’s official website has announced his arrival at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium, news that will disappoint fans and potential suitors alike.