Liverpool have been quiet as the transfer window edges ever closer towards opening.
Although the market does not officially commence until Friday, there’s plenty of scope to get deals lined up ahead of time.
Liverpool are usually extremely keen to get their business done as soon as possible. With Arne Slot gearing up for his first ever pre-season at the club, you’d have thought that same drive would still be there.
So far though, it hasn’t been. Whether it’s to do with the summer tournaments or some other reason, the Reds are yet to even come close to adding to Slot’s squad.
As the window opens though, that may now start to change. Rumours have circulated that Liverpool are set to bid for Benfica’s Joao Neves. And according to news out of Germany, interest in another player could soon ramp up as well.
Liverpool in contact over Waldemar Anton
Although a move for someone like Neves would be exciting, Liverpool’s priority in the market is reportedly for a new centre-back.
After Joel Matip left Anfield at the end of the season, the Reds could do with filling his place in the squad.
With Jarell Quansah coming through, there is an argument that Liverpool may be better off signing a new fourth-choice defender to boost the overall quality, rather than a new starter.
And it appears to be that thought process which has led the Reds to making contact with Stuttgart for Waldemar Anton.
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Having lost Wataru Endo last summer, Stuttgart went on to have a brilliant season, finishing as runners-up to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Anton was the man who succeeded Endo as captain of Die Roten and his good form has earned him a call-up to the German national team for Euro 2024.
According to journalist Felix Arnold on X, Anton’s excellent displays could yet get him a move to Liverpool.
“England’s top club LFC has inquired about captain Waldemar Anton from VfB Stuttgart,” says Arnold. “In addition to LFC, BVB [Dortmund] and B04 [Leverkusen] are also interested in the defensive leader from Stuttgart, who will be available in the summer for 22.5 million euros [£19m] thanks to a release clause.”
Liverpool set for second Stuttgart bargain?
Back when Liverpool signed Endo last summer, Stuttgart fans were devastated. It would be cruel to take another captain from them, especially after such a brilliant season.
However, if Anton is the right player for the Reds, then they should not worry about that.
Some will likely snort at the idea of taking a 27-year-old centre-back who until now, they’d probably never heard of.
But Endo’s signing showed that these under the radar type deals can be a real success. We’d expect Anton to be the same.
Having worked is way into the Germany squad and won two caps already, Anton has clearly been one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga this season.
Experienced and on the way up, £19m looks like a steal for someone like him. Very interesting indeed.