Borussia Dortmund
United Linked with Dortmund Defender Waldemar Anton as Summer Window Looms
Man United weigh move for Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton as squad rebuild and midfield exits loom .
Manchester United have been linked with Borussia Dortmund centre back Waldemar Anton in recent reports from Germany. Dortmund are expected to pursue fresh terms for Anton, but with two years remaining on his current contract suitors believe a summer approach could yield a bargain.
Anton, who turns 30 this summer, has spent much of his career under the radar. He began his senior career with Hannover before impressing at Stuttgart and earning a move to Dortmund in the summer of 2024. Standing at 6’2″, he has developed a reputation as a no-nonsense defender: willing to put his body on the line, comfortable in aerial duels and someone who gains confidence in physical encounters.
That profile only tells part of the story. Stuttgart used Anton at the base of midfield to make the most of his passing ability, and he is regarded as a smart operator on the ball. His strongest displays remain in the heart of defence, where leadership and attitude have become defining features of his game. Those who have worked with him describe “a player who gives everything in training, leads by example and knows how to encourage those around him.” The same sources say he is a model professional and could be in contention for the Dortmund captaincy if Nico Schlotterbeck departs this summer.
For United, cultivating that type of presence has been high on the agenda. Ruben Amorim helped oversee a changing of the guard and Michael Carrick has reminded the squad of what it really means to play for United. With Champions League action expected to return to Old Trafford next season, the club anticipates an active window.
Central midfield remains the priority. Casemiro’s impending departure and the likely sale of Manuel Ugarte would leave Kobbie Mainoo as the only natural midfielder. Club officials are preparing a war chest of around $250 million to sign at least two targets, including Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. Improvements at full back and potentially at striker if Joshua Zirkzee leaves are also expected, while opinion is divided on whether another central defender is required. On paper United have depth at centre back, with Harry Maguire on the cusp of a new contract alongside Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, De Ligt and Martínez, but fitness considerations could alter plans.
Borussia Dortmund
The 2017 Choice: Why Liverpool Picked Mohamed Salah Over Julian Brandt
A 2017 transfer choice between Brandt and Salah altered Liverpool’s decade; revisiting the decision.
One transfer decision in 2017 altered Liverpool’s next decade. Jurgen Klopp had tracked Julian Brandt during his time at Borussia Dortmund and viewed the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder as a clear target. Brandt had recorded 40 appearances and 12 goal contributions for Leverkusen that season.
Those figures contrasted with Mohamed Salah’s 31 goal contributions at Roma. Klopp hesitated to gamble on a player who underwhelmed at Chelsea just three seasons prior, and Liverpool’s hierarchy ultimately persuaded him to back Salah instead of Brandt.
Salah arrived on Merseyside with conviction. In his debut match for the Reds, Salah mustered a goal and an assist … and the rest is history. The 33-year-old, who will bid farewell to Anfield at the end of the 2025–26 season, went on to record over 250 goals for Liverpool, helping the team win two Premier League titles, the Champions League and six other trophies.
Brandt stayed at Bayer Leverkusen until he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2019. Across seven seasons in a yellow shirt he made 300 appearances for BVB and scored 56 goals. He did not win a league title with either Leverkusen or Dortmund and lifted only two honors with Dortmund.
Comparing any player’s résumé to Salah’s record in the Premier League shows the scale of what Liverpool gained that summer. Still, the story underlines how narrow margins and managerial preference can shape a club’s history.
Brandt is set to leave Borussia Dortmund as a free agent this summer after the club and player agreed not to extend his contract, which expires in June. Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken confirmed that decision. “There have already been a few reports, and it’s simply that there were open talks and everyone agreed that the expiring contract wouldn’t be extended.”
Borussia Dortmund
Felix Nmecha Commits to Dortmund, Ending Premier League Transfer Interest
Nmecha signs until 2030, ending transfer links to several Premier League clubs this summer. in 2030.
Felix Nmecha has committed his future to Borussia Dortmund after signing a new contract that extends his stay until the summer of 2030. The 25-year-old midfielder had been the subject of extensive transfer links in recent months, but those Premier League rumours now come to an end.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were all reported to have expressed interest in Nmecha, yet the player has opted to remain with Dortmund. The club announced the deal as a clear signal that they see Nmecha as part of their midfield core for the coming seasons.
“After some bad luck with injuries at the beginning of his time here in Dortmund, Felix has become a very important part of our team,” sporting director Sebastian Kehl remarked. “His ability to cover ground and overcome opponents makes him extremely valuable to us in the center of the pitch, and he always finds creative solutions, even under pressure. He brings incredible quality to the field—both for us and for the German national team. We are convinced that his development curve will continue to rise in the future.”
Nmecha’s profile had been noted as matching what Manchester United want in midfield ahead of next season. The Red Devils already possess a skilled No. 10 in Bruno Fernandes and an excellent deep-lying playmaker in Kobbie Mainoo, but they are understood to lack a more traditional box-to-box engine that players like Nmecha can provide.
Manchester City are also expected to be active in the midfield market, with Bernardo Silva potentially moving on and Rodri’s future described as uncertain amid speculation about a move home to Madrid. Both Manchester clubs have overlapping scouting targets, and each has been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as they consider alternatives.
With this new contract, Dortmund have secured a player several Premier League clubs had hoped to recruit, and the summer market will now move on from Nmecha to other options.
Arsenal contact over Christian Kofane confirmed by agent as valuation diverges
United Linked with Dortmund Defender Waldemar Anton as Summer Window Looms
