Manchester United have approached Borussia Dortmund and Norway wing-back Julian Ryerson to discuss a possible transfer move this summer, according to reports in Germany. The 28-year-old right-back enjoyed a stellar season with Dortmund last term, contributing at both ends of the pitch and finishing the campaign with an outstanding tally of 15 assists in 42 games – a total only bettered by Michael Olise (19).
Ryerson's rise at Dortmund
Ryerson joined BVB two-and-a-half years ago from Union Berlin for a fee of just €5m and has gone on to make 130 appearances in all competitions for the club, proving an invaluable addition with his level of consistency and versatility. His current contract with Dortmund is not due to expire until June 2028.
But there has been mounting speculation that last season could prove to be Ryerson’s last at Westfalenstadion, with top teams from across Europe circling. His eye-catching displays at this summer’s World Cup have done little to quash those rumours, with his showing in Norway’s stunning last-16 win over Brazil, in which he neutralised the threat of Vinicius Junior, earning especially rave reviews.
Manchester United's interest
According to Bild, Ryerson’s ‘strong performances haven’t gone unnoticed in England’ and Manchester United are eyeing a possible deal as they scour the market for defensive reinforcements. It’s claimed the Red Devils ‘recently made contact with Ryerson’s representatives again’ having first been credited with an interest in the full-back in February.
United would likely have to fend off fierce competition to land Ryerson, though, with several elite European teams said to be closely monitoring the situation. The report stresses that Dortmund’s hierarchy consider Ryerson to be one of the club’s ‘most important leaders’ and are therefore eager to begin contract talks with Ryerson’s camp as soon as possible once Norway’s World Cup campaign comes to an end.
Transfer fee and competition
However, an offer in excess of €30million (£25m) would have to be ‘seriously considered’ by BVB and could be enough to strike an agreement. BVB stand to make a tidy profit on Ryerson should they decide to sell, having signed the full-back for a fraction of that price.
Old Trafford bosses – working together with new permanent head coach Michael Carrick – are said to be on the hunt for a more attack-minded right-back to compete with Diogo Dalot, with Noussair Mazraoui failing to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League last season.
Fitness concerns
There has been some concern over Ryerson’s fitness in the player’s native Norway after he was brought off on the hour-mark against Brazil, having already missed the side’s clash with the Ivory Coast due to a hamstring problem. But while Ryerson was pictured receiving treatment after making his way off the field, he is expected to continue his run in the side for Norway’s quarter-final showdown against England.
‘It was the calves. Fortunately, the injury held,’ said Norway head coach Stale Solbakken. ‘It’s just the strain, probably because he hasn’t trained enough. He’ll look even better in the next game.’
