Stuttgart defender Waldemar Anton hasn’t yet made a decision on his future amid interest from Liverpool
According to reliable Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, VfB Stuttgart defender Waldemar Anton is yet to make a decision about his future beyond the summer amid links with Liverpool.
Liverpool are ready to back new manager Arne Slot with major investments this summer, and the Dutch tactician has prioritised reinforcing the backline ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The Reds could do well to sign a top-quality centre-back as Virgil van Dijk is 32 and about to enter the final year of his contract.
Stuttgart’s Waldemar Anton has emerged as a target for Liverpool. The German centre-back, 27, played 32 games in the Bundesliga this past season, helping Stuttgart finish second in the table and subsequently qualify for the Champions League. His performances didn’t go unnoticed on the international stage, with Julian Nagelsmann calling him to the German squad for Euro 2024.
Florian Plettenberg claims on X that Anton is very well aware of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in him. Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen’s manager, has called him multiple times to bring him to Bay Arena over a long-term contract.
Anton is thought to have a release clause of €20-25m which can be triggered at any time, Plettenberg adds.
Anton was a rock at the back for Stuttgart during the 2024/25 campaign, playing a chief role in their Champions League qualification. The Belarus-born star should harbour hopes of establishing himself as a regular for the German national team and that could force him to leave Stuttgart for a bigger club this summer.
The opportunity to play for Liverpool could excite the 27-year-old, who is about to enter the peak years of his career. At Liverpool, Anton would be a solid player to partner Van Dijk in central defence whilst adding quality depth to the squad.
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By activating the buyout clause, we would also get someone who can immediately plug the hole in the squad left by the experienced Joel Matip.
As things stand, however, it appears Bayer Leverkusen are edging ahead in the race for the Stuttgart skipper’s signature.