Aston Villa and Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing 29-year-old German international Waldemar Anton from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund this summer.
According to a report by Sky Sport Deutschland, Aston Villa and Manchester United are interested in the 29-year-old Borussia Dortmund centre-back. The two Premier League clubs are eager to reinforce their defensive unit by signing a central defender in the upcoming transfer window.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will also attempt to sign the Almalyk-born defender in the coming months. However, Los Rojiblancos and Manchester United may have fallen behind Aston Villa in the battle for Anton’s signature, as the Villans have submitted an enquiry for a summer move.
Waldemar Anton has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga since joining Borussia Dortmund from VfB Stuttgart in a deal worth €22.5 million in July 2024. The 29-year-old was born in Uzbekistan, but he spent his formative years in Germany, starting his youth career at Muhlenberger SV before graduating from the youth division at Hannover 96.
The German international has been a mainstay at the back for Borussia Dortmund in the last 20 months, making over 50 appearances thus far. Meanwhile, Anton’s exploits have compelled Niko Kovac to hail him as a “Secret Captain” this season, and his progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Aston Villa and Manchester United.
Aston Villa’s interest in Waldemar Anton makes sense. The Villans are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Tyrone Mings is on the wrong side of 30. Additionally, recent reports have claimed that a summer move away from the West Midlands club may be on the cards for the Englishman. So, Anton is an option worth considering for Aston Villa.
As for Manchester United, it is unclear why the Red Devils want Anton. While Harry Maguire, like Mings, is approaching the twilight of his career, he is on the cusp of signing a new contract with Manchester United. So, with Anton being 29 years old, the Premier League giants should focus on signing a younger centre-back.
Recent reports have linked Manchester United with several such players, including Nathan Collins, and the Brentford skipper is a more appealing target for them. However, they may be behind Aston Villa in the battle for Anton’s signature due to Aston Villa’s enquiry, and the West Midlands outfit will aim to win the battle for the German defender’s signature.
