The move to reshape Liverpool FC has begun. The first to make his place among Rafael Benitez’s side starting this summer would be Philipp Degen. The Switzerland right-back has confirmed his transfer to England on a free transfer.

Currently playing for Borussia Dortmund, he will be moving over to Liverpool with his contract starting on July 1^st which is when his current tie with the German club expires.

The Reds ended the season without a trophy for the second season and Degen will be eyeing the spot currently held by Steve Finnan and Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa. Degen will be playing for the national team in UEFA EURO 2008 with co-hosts Switzerland while Arbeloa will be representing Spain.

In signing the right back, Benitez said that “Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland. He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top-level football. 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.”

Benitez has a tendency to field defenders who can move forward to provide the much needed support for his midfield and forwards, such were the roles of Steve Finnan who of late has not been performing the way he has been in the past seasons. Other players like John Arne Riise and Fabio Aurelio too usually would move forward especially for the wingers to overlap. In the last few games, even center back Jamie Carragher has been seen moving forward.