Manchester United open talks over £25.6m Ryerson as Dortmund set their asking price

Manchester United have opened preliminary discussions over a move for Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson, with Dortmund prepared to sanction his departure if a bid in the region of €30 million (£25.6m) arrives, according to Bild.

Ryerson has raised his profile considerably during Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face England. That followed a standout club season in which the 27-year-old registered 15 assists for Dortmund — form that has convinced United his pace and physicality suit the Premier League.

Dortmund would prefer to keep Ryerson and are exploring a contract extension, but the German club have shown a willingness to sell when the right fee is on the table — most notably in the Jadon Sancho deal struck with United in 2021. Sancho subsequently returned to Dortmund on loan in 2024 after struggling at Old Trafford.

Under manager Michael Carrick, United currently rely on Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw as their primary full-back options, and the club are seeking greater depth and quality in that position. Ryerson is viewed as a candidate to fill that need, though a full-back signing is contingent on United having sufficient budget after addressing their more pressing priorities.

Midfield remains the club’s primary focus this summer, a need that has grown sharper following Casemiro’s departure at the end of his contract. United have already agreed a deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who impressed at Atalanta and also featured at the World Cup, while Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are among the other names on their shortlist.

United have, however, missed out on several midfield targets after stepping back from expensive moves. Manchester City paid £116m for Elliot Anderson, while Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham in an initial £92.5m deal — both players United had been linked with before withdrawing interest.

The club’s return to the Champions League next season is a significant factor in their planning, with Carrick’s squad needing reinforcement across multiple positions to compete on both domestic and European fronts.