Manchester United Eye €40.5 Mln Move for Uzbekistan-Born Defender Waldemar Anton
Waldemar Anton is currently drawing significant attention from the Premier League. The Almalyk-born defender, who currently plays for German side Borussia, has reportedly caught the eye of Manchester United scouts.
According to the publication Bulinews, the English heavyweights are prepared to test Borussia’s resolve with a substantial offer of €40.5 mln for the player. This is not the first time the talented centre-back has attracted interest from top-tier European clubs as he was previously on the radar of both Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.
From Almalyk to Bundesliga
Anton’s journey to the heights of European football began in Uzbekistan. He was born on July 20, 1996 in the city of Almalyk to parents who later decided to emigrate to Germany.
Once settled in Europe he joined the youth academy at Hannover 96 where he steadily developed his craft. His hard work paid off when he made his senior professional debut for the Hannover 96 first team in the Bundesliga in late April 2016.
International allegiances and rising value
His impressive domestic performances quickly sparked international conversations. In 2016 scouts from the Uzbekistan national team expressed a strong desire to bring him into their squad. However, Anton ultimately chose to represent his adopted home and turned out for the German under-21 side that same year.
His patience and consistency were rewarded eight years later when he finally made his senior debut for the German national team in a high-profile match against France. His solid form also secured his participation in the current major international tournament.
As his profile continues to rise on the global stage his market valuation has followed suit. At the end of May the football data portal Transfermarkt valued the defender at €18 mln. By early June the Almalyk native had accumulated more than 60 appearances while contributing six goals and 11 assists to his team’s cause.
