Julian Ryerson: Dortmund have weakened Union Berlin but have they improved their squad?

Borussia Dortmund have signed Julian Ryerson from direct competitor Union Berlin. While the transfer weakens Union, the question is, will it improve the Black and Yellows?

It was a transfer out of nowhere; Borussia Dortmund have signed right-back Julian Ryerson from league competitor Union Berlin. Ryerson has signed a deal until 2026, and Union will receive €5 million only after Dortmund activated the exit clause in the 25-year-old Norwegian’s contract.

"We have big sporting challenges ahead of us which require defensive stability,” sporting director Sebastian Kehl said in a club statement. “Julian Ryerson is an intelligent player who— in a positive sense—defends very aggressively. We really like his profile, his character, and his desire to leave the pitch on the winning side under all circumstances.”

Kehl further stressed that Dortmund were intrigued by Ryerson’s ability to play both as a right-back, where he will have to replace the recently injured Thomas Meunier, and also as a left-back. “It gives us additional flexibility,” Kehl added. 

Indeed, under Union Berlin head coach Urs Fischer, Ryerson has played both as a right-back and as a left-back. But the Norwegian has also been employed further up the pitch whenever Union did opt for a 3-5-2 system. 

Those who will have watched Ryerson for Union this season will point at the Norwegian’s work rate. The 25-year-old, in fact, has been an important part of Union’s success, allowing the Eisernen to play a very aggressive, high-tempo style with a work rate that has been almost unmatched in the league. 

That work rate has seen Union lead the league for seven matchdays this season and ultimately enter the winter break in fifth place, two points ahead of Borussia Dortmund. The fact that Union are ahead of Dortmund may have also played a role in this transfer. After all, no other team in German football buys more from their direct competitors than the Black and Yellows.