'Here we go': Romano says £19m-rated Euro 2024 player Liverpool reportedly wanted is joining CL rivals instead

Liverpool are likely to be busy on the transfer front this summer as Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes look to revamp the Reds squad.

The Anfield outfit has just begun a new era, with Arne Slot taking over from Jurgen Klopp as Reds boss.

Edwards and Hughes will be eager to give the new Liverpool manager all the tools he needs to hit the ground running at Anfield.

Liverpool have been linked with many top players in recent weeks, including a defender who has been described as a “coach’s dream”.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, he has decided to join a Champions League rival instead.

Borussia Dortmund beat Liverpool to Waldemar Anton signing

The player in question is Germany international Waldemar Anton, who has been plying his trade for Stuttgart.

BILD reported in June that, Liverpool had begun to ‘collect information’ and enquire about the defender, who is at Euro 2024 with the host nation.

However, Romano has now claimed on X that Waldemar is now set to join Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract.

The transfer insider said all the details have already been accepted and approved by the player and his camp.

Dortmund have triggered Waldemar’s €22million (around £19million) release clause and Stuttgart have been informed about the process, added Romano.

What could Waldemar Anton have brought to Liverpool?

Waldemar is a 27-year-old centre-back who can also play at right-back and in defensive midfield. He has over 250 professional appearances to his name.

The Germany international enjoyed an impressive season last time out, helping Stuttgart finish second in the table to qualify for the Champions League.

“Waldemar is everything you want from a captain: tireless, disciplined, always trains at 100 percent,” Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness said, as per the Bundesliga website.

“He is consistent, is a real stabilising factor in the defence and makes very few mistakes. He’s every coach’s dream because he’s an absolute team player.”

Sadly, it looks as though Liverpool have missed out. They will need to look elsewhere for players to bolster their defensive ranks.