Dortmund set to sign elite defender for $24 million

Dortmund will sign Stuttgart center-back Waldemar Anton for a fee of $24 million. Anton, currently in camp with Germany at Euro 2024, fielded interest from the likes of Leverkusen and Liverpool. However, Anton decided not to sign with the reigning German champions, choosing Dortmund in a shock switch.

Anton appeared in 37 games for Stuttgart, leading them to a second-placed finish and a Champions League berth in the group stage.

Dortmund beats out Leverkusen

Anton’s contract at Stuttgart expired in 2027 but had a release clause of just $24 million. It made sense that many of Europe’s top clubs were interested in the defender after Stuttgart’s surprisingly good season. The 27-year-old was named in the Bundesliga’s Team of the Season alongside Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, and Alejandro Grimado.

Leverkusen were one of the most interested parties after Tah looked set to join rivals Bayern Munich. Head coach Xabi Alonso reportedly called the defender personally at least two times, and the reigning German champions were in constant contact with Anton’s party.

However, Anton decided against joining Leverkusen and opted to further negotiations with Dortmund. Multiple outlets out of Germany report that Anton could sign a five-year contract worth up to $6.5 million annually. Tah also ruled against leaving Leverkusen with Bayern, and Leverkusen could bring in center-back Riccardo Calafiori as well.

Dortmund moved swiftly into negotiations with Waldemar Anton and his team, paying the $24 million release clause. Anton reportedly agreed with those terms and has accepted the offer. He will likely complete the medical after the Euros finish, with Anton playing with the German national team.

Although Anton has not appeared in a game for Germany at Euro 2024, he’s an integral member of the rotation and one of coach Julian Nagelsmann’s top choices at center-back.

New Dortmund defense takes shape with Waldemar Anton

Signing Anton is…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/dortmund-set-to-sign-waldemar-anton-for-24-million/

Author : Deolu Akingbade

Publish date : 2024-06-24 00:15:44

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