Borussia Dortmund have secured Waldemar Anton from Stuttgart on a contract until 2028, filling the void in their center-back position left by veteran Mats Hummels. The Champions League runners-up confirmed Anton's addition on Monday, following widespread reports of the signing since June. German media noted that Dortmund triggered the Uzbekistan-born defender's 22.5-million-euro ($24 million) release clause.
Anton, 27, received his first Germany call-up in March and was included in Julian Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 squad. He featured in two games, including a substitute appearance in Germany's 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Spain after extra time. At Dortmund, Anton will join fellow Germany teammates Nico Schlotterbeck, Niclas Fuellkrug, and Emre Can.
"I had no intention of changing clubs, but then Dortmund came along," Anton stated on Monday. "A top club that had just reached the Champions League final. That shows the potential this club has." Hummels' departure in June, after 13 years at Dortmund and two Bundesliga titles, left a significant gap that Anton is set to fill.
Dortmund's signing of Anton reflects their recent strategy shift under sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who now favors experienced international players over younger prospects. "As an ambitious German international, (Anton) is a perfect fit for us, and we are very happy that we have been able to inspire him to join us on our journey together," Kehl remarked. Stuttgart, meanwhile, faces another setback with Anton's departure, following the loss of defender Hiroki Ito to Bayern Munich and interest in their forwards from other major European clubs.
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