Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen in the race to sign Waldemar Anton

Waldemar Anton is set to leave VfB Stuttgart this summer, and Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are said to be vying for his signature.

Borussia Dortmund will need to bolster their defence this summer after deciding against renewing Mats Hummels’ expiring contract. The Black and Yellows have seemingly decided to target Waldemar Anton, who will be leaving Stuttgart this summer. According to Kicker, BVB will face competition from Bayer Leverkusen for the Germany international’s signature.

The magazine adds that Anton has a release clause of 22 million euros in his contract. And after helping Stuttgart finish second in the Bundesliga standings this season, he is now keen for a new challenge.

Both Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen can offer Anton regular playing time and a significantly higher salary. Sky Sport claim that Xabi Alonso has already had at least two calls with the 27 year old, and Leverkusen are prepared to offer him a five year contract. However, no agreement has yet been reached.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Anton, but he is increasingly likely to stay in the Bundesliga.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Anton, who established himself as one of the top centre-backs in the Bundesliga this season. His ball-playing ability and no-nonsense defending would make him well suited to replace Mats Hummels and partner Nico Schlotterbeck in the Borussia Dortmund defence. But the BVB bosses must first ensure that they come out on top against the Bundesliga champions in the race for his signature.