Barcelona close in on January purchase of Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson

Sky Germany reports that Borussia Dortmund fullback Julian Ryerson may be on his way to Barcelona in the coming January transfer window. The versatile Norwegian was already heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga this summer. Barça’s German head coach Hansi Flick evidently fancies the idea of recruiting the 28-year-old to La Liga. Sky claims that initial talks have already taken place between Barça and Ryerson’s entourage.

Ryerson continues to play a significant role for die Schwarzgelben , making 20 appearances across all competitions thus far this season. The 39-times-capped Norwegian international may nevertheless himself desire a change-of-scenery ahead of his country’s participation in next summer’s World Cup. Ryerson moved from Union Berlin to Dortmund almost exactly three years ago in the January 2023 window.

The fact that Daniel Svensson and Yan Couto have now firmly established themselves at the wingback positions means that Ryerson now more frequently features off the bench. Ryerson’s move to Dortmund three winters back came seemingly out-of-nowhere. Dortmund plucked Ryerson from Germany’s capital city Köpenick side for only €5m.

With a current estimated market value of €20m, Dortmund can turn a handsome profit on him. Ryerson’s contributions on the scoresheet this season have been limited to five assists in his 20 deployments. Only three of the assists have come in the league. It stands to reason that Sebastian Kehl and the BVB administrative team consider him expendable.

GGFN | Peter Weis