Rudi Völler reveals Waldemar Anton’s next team: ‘He has chosen Dortmund.’

Borussia Dortmund appear to have won the three-way race to sign Stuttgart and Germany defender Waldemar Anton.

Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, when asked who could replace the injured Antonio Rüdiger, DFB Sporting Director Rudi Völler said: “Many Bundesliga clubs were interested in him [Anton]. All I know is that my club, Bayer Leverkusen, would have liked him too. In the end, he ultimately decided on Borussia Dortmund.”

There was no agreement between Anton and Bayer Leverkusen, but the player was ready to be offered a lucrative contract. But since then, Borussia Dortmund have activated Anton’s reported €22.5m release clause, while Stuttgart have also been informed about his departure.

Last season, Anton featured 37 times for Stuttgart in all competitions, playing a key role in the club’s long-awaited return to the Champions League. As well as this, despite not yet featuring, the 27-year-old’s performances for Stuttgart last season ensured that he forced his way into Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for Euro 2024.