Dortmund in a Spin: Can They Keep **Waldemar Anton** from **Man Utd** and **Atleti**'s Grubby Mitts?
Borussia Dortmund are battling to retain star defender Waldemar Anton amid strong interest from Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Atlético Madrid. The club has initiated contract extension talks to fend off suitors, while Nico Schlotterbeck is set for a bumper new deal worth €14m annually. With defensive injuries plaguing the squad, Anton's future is pivotal for their Bundesliga title charge.
Dortmund sweating bullets over Waldemar Anton transfer tug-of-war
Imagine sinking a pint at the pub when your mate whispers that Borussia Dortmund's Mr Reliable in defence, Waldemar Anton, has got the likes of Manchester United and Atlético Madrid queuing up. Yeah, it's that kind of buzz doing the rounds. According to reports from Sky, these Premier League and La Liga big boys have lobbed in enquiries, with Aston Villa also keeping a beady eye on the 29-year-old German.
Anton only rocked up at Signal Iduna Park last summer for a hefty €22.5m from Stuttgart, but he's already the glue holding BVB's backline together. With Nico Schlotterbeck sidelined early doors, he stepped up as the undisputed boss at the back. Even after Schlotterbeck returned, Anton hasn't put a foot wrong – 37 appearances, 3 goals, and over 3,297 minutes of solid graft.
Anton's the Unsung Hero Stealing the Show
Boss Niko Kovac can't praise him enough, calling the centre-back a selfless leader who 'works in the shadows, dragging the team along without ego'. Spot on, Niko – that's the kind of quiet graft that wins titles, not Instagram likes. Anton's robust style and emotional nous make him a dream for Diego Simeone's Atleti, who nearly nabbed him before. Even Xabi Alonso tried his luck at Leverkusen back in the day.
Meanwhile, Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga with 61 points from 27 games, nine behind Bayern Munich. Tough clashes with Stuttgart and Leverkusen loom large, and they can't afford defensive wobbles. With Niklas Süle offski on a free and Emre Can nursing a long-term ACL tear, plus young Filippo Mane out, Anton's worth his weight in gold.
Contract Talks Heat Up – Schlotterbeck Bags a Whopper
Ex-sporting director Sebastian Kehl has already had a chinwag with Anton about extending his deal, which runs to 2028. New SD Ole Book is set to pick up the baton, potentially bumping Anton's wages from €5-6m a year to match his form. But will it be enough to fend off the English cash and Spanish passion?
Good news for BVB fans: Schlotterbeck is penning a mega-extension post-internationals, tying him down till 2031 at a whopping €14m per season – making him the club's top earner. Word is there's a 2027 release clause, but he's committed. Alongside Felix Nmecha (locked till 2030), that duo could anchor the defence, with prospects like Luca Reggiani or Ramy Bensebaini vying for the third spot in Kovac's back three.
Still, Book might dip into the market for extra cover – can't be too careful with injuries mounting. Anton? He's keeping schtum, eyes on the title push. But if United or Atleti flash the cash, Dortmund could be nursing a hangover come summer.
Fingers crossed for BVB – losing Anton now would be like spilling your pint mid-celebration. Stay tuned, lads; this saga's got legs.