Liverpool make contact with Bundesliga club over potential deal for €22.5million rated star - Reports
Liverpool have reportedly approached Bundesliga side VFB Stuttgart regarding the availability of their captain Waldemar Anton. As claimed by German outlet Bild (via The Boot Room), the Reds have registered their interest in the 27-year-old experienced defender.
As per reports, Liverpool are closely monitoring the transfer market as they look to bolster their squad that finished third in the Premier League last season. They have a new manager in Arne Slot who has the big boots of Jurgen Klopp to fill.
The Reds are set to lose experienced defender Joel Matip this summer, with the Cameroonian's contract up for expiry. They have four quality options at the heart of the defense in the form of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah. However, it has been reported that Slot is looking for another centre-back and has set his sights on Anton.
Anton enjoyed a brilliant season with VFB Stuttgart last time out, helping his side finish second in the Bundesliga. The Uzbekistan-born Germany international made 37 appearances for Die Roten last season, keeping 14 clean sheets in the process.
A highly experienced defender with 278 appearances for Hannover 96 and VFB Stuttgart combined, Anton is also a leader of the backline. While he is predominantly a centre-back, he is also capable of playing at right-back or as a defensive midfielder. Anton has been capped twice for Germany so far and has been named in Julian Nagelsmann's squad for the Euros.
Liverpool legend urges Arne Slot to sell South American attacker
Liverpool icon Dietmar Hamann has urged Arne Slot to cash in on striker Darwin Nunez. Since his move to Anfield, Nunez has divided the opinion of the fans and the pundits due to his inconsistent finishing.
The Uruguay international scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists in 54 appearances last season. However, he often made headlines due to his tendency to miss big chances.
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has claimed that while he has always defended the 24-year-old, he should be offloaded. Hamann said, as quoted by Anfield Edition's X handle:
"I think there are still some doubts about Darwin. He (Slot) will need to make a decision there. Is he going to win you a league or a big title? I'm not too sure. I've always defended him, but I think it's gone too far now."
Nunez joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth a reported £85 million, becoming the club's most expensive player of all time. He has found the back of the net 33 times and provided 17 assists in 96 appearances for the Merseyside giants thus far.