Dortmund sign Germany defender Anton from Stuttgart until 2028

Borussia Dortmund have signed Waldemar Anton from Stuttgart until 2028, filling their vacant centre-back spot after the departure of veteran Mats Hummels.

The Champions League runners-up confirmed the addition of the former Stuttgart captain on Monday, although Anton's signing had been widely reported since June.

German media reported Dortmund triggered the Uzbekistan-born defender's 22.5-million-euro ($24 million) release clause.

Willkommen in Dortmund, Waldi! 👋

Borussia Dortmund hat Waldemar Anton (27) vom @VfB verpflichtet. Der Innenverteidiger unterschrieb am heutigen Montag einen bis zum 30. Juni 2028 gültigen Vertrag. 🤝🏻

🔗 https://t.co/DwQzo1x7KE pic.twitter.com/r8phT2z28H

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 8, 2024

Anton, 27, received his first Germany call-up in March and was named in Julian Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 squad. He played two games, coming on as a substitute in Friday's 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Spain after extra time.

At Dortmund, Anton joins Germany teammates Nico Schlotterbeck, Niclas Fuellkrug and Emre Can.

"I had no intention of changing clubs, but then Dortmund came along," Anton said in a statement on Monday.

"A top club that had just reached the Champions League final. That shows the potential this club has."

Hummels left Dortmund in June after 13 years at the club over two spells, winning two Bundesliga titles and appearing in the 2013 and 2024 Champions League finals.

The signing continues Dortmund's recent shift in philosophy when bringing in new players, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl looking to favour experienced international players rather than focusing on younger prospects.

"As an ambitious German international, (Anton) is a perfect fit for us and we are very happy that we have been able to inspire him to join us on our journey together," Kehl said in a statement.

Losing the captain represents another blow for Stuttgart, who went from relegation candidates to Bundesliga runners-up while qualifying for the Champions League last season under Sebastian Hoeness.

Stuttgart had already lost defender Hiroki Ito to Bayern Munich, while forwards Serhou Guirassy, Chris Fuehrich and Deniz Undav – on loan last season from Brighton – are also reportedly attracting interest from other major European clubs.