Manchester United are reportedly in the hunt for Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton, but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old centre-back has emerged as a key target for top clubs across Europe following a series of stellar performances in the Bundesliga.
According to a report by German outlet BILD (via Sport Witness), both United and Villa, alongside Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, are keeping close tabs on the defender’s situation ahead of the summer transfer window.
Man Utd continue eyeing Anton
This isn’t the first time the Red Devils have been linked with the Dortmund ace. Reports earlier this year in March indicated that United had already established contact regarding a potential move to Old Trafford.
With defensive reinforcements a priority for United, Anton’s profile as a dominant, reliable presence in a back three makes him an attractive option. However, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa remain very much in the picture, setting up a potential Premier League bidding war.
Dortmund’s ‘quiet leader’
What makes Anton such a coveted asset is his immense leadership capability. Following the departure of Julian Brandt, Dortmund manager Niko Kovac is restructuring the squad’s leadership hierarchy and reportedly plans to name Anton as the club’s “third captain.”
Kovač has been vocal in his praise for the defender, highlighting exactly why elite clubs are circling.
“Waldi is a leader – a quiet leader,” Kovač said. “Not someone who seeks the limelight, but someone who does his job behind the scenes, both internally and on the pitch. He’s a true professional through and through!”
Even without the captain’s armband last season, Anton acted as the de facto general on the pitch, constantly organising the backline and directing his teammates. BILD notes that the player has “long possessed the captain’s gene,” a trait highly valued by United’s recruitment team as they seek to inject more character and resilience into the squad.
