Waldemar Anton is about to get a bigger paycheck and a bigger role at Borussia Dortmund. That’s the word out of Germany this week, as multiple outlets report the club is preparing a contract extension for the 29-year-old center-back on significantly improved terms.
The timing is interesting. Dortmund just lost Julian Brandt on a free transfer, which opened up the third captaincy spot. And with captain Emre Can recovering from a torn ACL and vice-captain Nico Schlotterbeck dealing with a medial ligament injury, Anton could find himself wearing the armband when the season kicks off.
That’s a lot of responsibility for a guy who’s been linked with Manchester United all summer. But here’s the thing: staying in Dortmund has always felt like the more realistic outcome. The new deal, which would reportedly run beyond 2028, would effectively end any transfer speculation. Anton came over from Stuttgart last year and quickly established himself as a reliable presence at the back. The club clearly sees him as part of the long-term plan, not a player they’re looking to cash in on.
The Captaincy Factor
Let’s be real for a second. Handing a player the third captain’s armband and then selling him a month later would be a bad look, even for a club that’s used to moving on key pieces. Dortmund has a history of losing stars, but usually those players are younger, flashier names headed for a massive fee. Anton is 29. He’s a steady, experienced defender who fills a specific role. That’s not the profile of a player they’d push out the door unless an absurd offer came in.
According to Kicker, Anton stepping into the third captain role is now heavily expected. That alone signals a commitment from both sides. You don’t hand out leadership positions to guys who are halfway out the door.
What About United?
Manchester United’s interest is real, but let’s not overstate it. United have been linked with half the defenders in Europe this summer. Anton is a solid player, but he’s not the kind of splashy signing that typically gets Old Trafford buzzing. If United really needed him, they would have moved earlier. Instead, the rumors have stayed vague, with no serious bid reported.
Dortmund, meanwhile, has every incentive to keep him. Can is out long-term, Schlotterbeck is banged up, and Brandt is gone. The defense already has enough question marks. Losing Anton would force them to scramble for a replacement in a market where center-backs are not cheap. Offering a new contract is the simplest way to solve two problems at once: secure the player and send a message to anyone else sniffing around.
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