Borussia Dortmund, who finished as runners-up in the Champions League, signed Germany defender Waldemar Anton as their first acquisition of the offseason on Monday. This move leaves Stuttgart searching for a new captain as they prepare to return to top-level European competition next season.
Anton featured in nearly every Bundesliga match for Stuttgart last season, contributing to their surprise second-place finish behind champions Bayer Leverkusen. His strong performances earned him a call-up to Germany’s squad for Euro 2024, where he played in two matches off the bench during the host nation’s journey to the quarterfinals.
“I wasn’t planning to switch clubs originally, but then Borussia Dortmund came along,” Anton stated in a Dortmund press release. “They are a top club that recently reached the Champions League final. It shows the potential of this club.”
Born in Uzbekistan, Anton is expected to partner with Nico Schlotterbeck in defense after veteran Mats Hummels departed last month following the expiration of his contract. Anton has signed a four-year deal with Dortmund for an undisclosed transfer fee after spending four years with Stuttgart.
Earlier this year, he extended his contract with Stuttgart until 2027 and took over the captaincy last season after midfielder Wataru Endo moved to Liverpool.
Stuttgart, who last participated in the Champions League in the 2009-10 season, now find themselves without both starting central defenders from last season, as Hiroki Ito joined Bayern Munich last month. There are also rumors linking forwards Serhou Guirassy and Chris Führich with potential transfers away from the club.
