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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund center back Waldemar Anton, according to reports emerging from Germany.
With injuries hampering both Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez—arguably the first-choice pairing when fit—throughout the campaign, BILD anticipates United entering the race for Anton, whose standout displays at Dortmund have also attracted interest from Atlético Madrid.
Dortmund are likely to attempt to extend Anton's contract, though the fact he has just two years remaining on his current deal has reportedly given potential suitors hope that a bargain could be struck this summer.
Why Man Utd Might Want Waldemar Anton
Anton, who reaches the age of 30 this summer, has spent much of his career operating below the spotlight. He launched his senior career at Hannover before attracting attention at Stuttgart and securing a transfer to Dortmund ahead of the 2024 summer window.
Standing at 6'2", Anton has built a reputation as a rugged, uncompromising defender: the type who throws himself into challenges, thrives in aerial duels and rises to the occasion when matches turn physical. Yet that description barely scratches the surface.
A composed operator in possession, Stuttgart were willing to deploy Anton in a deeper midfield role to capitalize on his distribution skills, though his finest performances have consistently come at the heart of the backline.
What truly distinguishes Anton is his leadership and mentality. Those who have worked alongside him describe a player who gives his all in training, leads through actions rather than words and has a knack for lifting those around him. A consummate professional, he is widely tipped to be in contention for the Dortmund captaincy should Nico Schlotterbeck leave the club this summer.
Cultivating that kind of culture has been a priority at United for some time. Ruben Amorim helped facilitate a generational shift, and Michael Carrick has been reminding the squad of what it truly means to represent the club.
Man Utd's Transfer Priorities
With Champions League football set to return to Old Trafford next season, the upcoming summer transfer window is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Red Devils.
Central midfield remains the most pressing concern. The anticipated exit of Casemiro and the probable sale of Manuel Ugarte would leave Kobbie Mainoo as United's sole natural midfielder. Club executives are acutely aware of this situation and are reportedly preparing a transfer budget of approximately $250 million to secure at least two of their top targets, including Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.
Reinforcements at full back are also anticipated, and a new striker may be required should Joshua Zirkzee depart—though supporters remain split on whether addressing the center back position is truly necessary.
On the surface, United appear well-covered at center back. Harry Maguire is close to penning a contract extension to remain alongside Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and the previously mentioned De Ligt and Martínez—but persistent fitness concerns could yet force the club's hand.
De Ligt has been sidelined for four months with a back problem initially downplayed as minor and may not feature again this season, while Martínez has made repeated visits to the treatment room due to knee issues. Such thin cover could become a serious problem next season if United progress deep into the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
A player willing to slot into that rotation could prove a shrewd acquisition for United, especially if the fee remains modest. Someone like Anton—an understated talent with an uncertain contract situation—is precisely the kind of signing that could deliver a significant lift to the entire dressing room.