Who is new Borussia Dortmund signing Julian Ryerson?
Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Julian Ryerson from fellow Bundesliga side Union Berlin.
Julian Ryerson has signed a 3.5 year contract with Die Schwarzgelben and is set to play a versatile role for the club, with the Norwegian international able to play at left back, right back and in central defense. Ryerson’s signing came as a complete shock as the deal was quickly concluded Monday in the advent of Thomas Meunier’s subsequent injury that will possibly keep the Belgian international out for the next six weeks.
Born in Lyngdal in 1997, Ryerson grew up in Norway and played most of his youth football with Lyngdal IL. He made move to Viking Fotballklubb in 2013. He impressed Union Berlin during his time with the Norwegian club and was signed in 2018. In joining Union, he became a defensive stalwart for the club, putting in performances that have now prompted Dortmund to bring him in on short notice to help stabilize their defensive structure.
Overall, as we’ve already mentioned, one of the main facets of Ryerson’s game that allowed the club to make such a quick decision regarding his transfer is his versatility. Ryerson’s ability to play both in a back three and back four will allow for tactical flexibility, making it easier for Edin Terzić to set the team up in a variety of ways over the course of the second half of the season.
In addition to this, BVB Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl has lauded Julian Ryerson as a “competitor”, noting that he was impressed with his intelligence and aggression:
"“Julian is an intelligent player who defends very aggressively in a positive sense. We really like his profile, his character and his desire to leave the pitch as a winner at all costs.”"
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While deputizing at right back for Borussia Dortmund for the time being, the Norwegian international will have a chance to really prove himself in BVB’s defense for the second half of the season. He will have to help shoulder the weight of a side that while on paper looks poised to challenge for silverware, has generally underwhelmed. Wearing the number 26 will also add additional pressure from the fans perspective considering the last player to wear the number was club legend Łukasz PIszczek.