Manchester United has picked up the phone again on Julian Ryerson. The Borussia Dortmund full-back is back on their radar after a World Cup run that has everyone paying attention.
According to German outlet BILD, United has renewed contact with Dortmund about a potential move. This isn’t new interest — it’s a reactivation of conversations that went quiet before the tournament started. The Red Devils are looking for defensive help and versatility under Michael Carrick, especially with Champions League soccer coming back to Old Trafford next season.
Dortmund doesn’t want to lose him. They’re planning to sit down for contract extension talks once Ryerson’s World Cup run is over. But the Bundesliga side has a number in mind: around €30 million, which works out to about £25.6 million. If someone hits that number, they’ll listen. Initial conversations have already happened.
World Cup performance turned heads
Ryerson’s stock was already climbing after a strong club season in Germany where he racked up 15 assists from deep. But his World Cup showing has put him on another level entirely.
The 28-year-old Norwegian went head to head with Vinicius Junior in the round of 16 and basically erased him from the game. Brazil’s star winger couldn’t get anything going down Ryerson’s side. He completed 93 percent of his passes, locked down his flank for 62 minutes before subbing out, and helped Norway pull off a 2-1 upset over the tournament favorites.
Erling Haaland’s late brace grabbed the headlines, obviously. But scouts in the stands came away talking about Ryerson’s defensive discipline just as much. He was that good.
Norway is now into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in program history. They’ll face England next, which is about as big a stage as it gets.
Why United likes him
The Premier League is a different animal for full-backs. You need to handle one-on-one situations, deal with pacey wingers, and still contribute going forward. United sees Ryerson’s mix of physicality and straight-line speed as a good fit for that.
He’s not young anymore at 28, but that also means he’s experienced and ready to contribute immediately. Carrick’s system needs defenders who can play multiple roles and Ryerson has done that consistently in the Bundesliga.
Whether United actually follows through with a bid or Dortmund convinces him to stay remains the question. But the contact has been made. The number is known. The rest depends on how the next few weeks play out.
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