Waldemar Anton has opted to join Borussia Dortmund as his next club, despite interest from Liverpool under new head coach Arne Slot.
Anton gained prominence in the 2023/24 season by captaining Stuttgart to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga and their first Champions League qualification since 2009. He also made his debut for the German national team in March at the age of 27 and is currently part of their squad for Euro 2024.
Reports earlier this month suggested Liverpool had inquired about Anton’s availability, with a €22.5 million (£19 million) release clause in his Stuttgart contract, agreed upon in January. However, Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen were also competing for his signature.
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Ultimately, Anton chose Dortmund, a decision seemingly confirmed by Rudi Voller, currently in the role of sporting director for the German national team.
“He has ultimately decided on Borussia Dortmund. My former club Bayer Leverkusen also wanted him,” Voller commented on Anton’s situation during Euro 2024.
Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements is pressing, especially with Joel Matip’s contract set to expire soon and Joe Gomez predominantly deployed as a utility full-back cover over the past year. While the emergence of Jarell Quansah provided some relief in their search for a new center-back, concerns remain with Virgil van Dijk nearing 33 and entering the final year of his contract at Anfield.
Liverpool have been linked with other potential defensive targets, including Lille’s teenage prospect Leny Yoro, who is reportedly available for transfer as his contract expires in 2025, with Real Madrid as frontrunners in the race for his signature. Additional names on Liverpool’s radar include Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who has recently impressed.