Barcelona makes contact with Borussia Dortmund over their €30m defender in early talks aimed at strengthening the defense.
The Catalans have been scanning the market for a cost‑effective, experienced right‑back who can both compete with and relieve Jules Kounde, especially after a physically demanding run of fixtures exposed the lack of depth on that flank.
Early groundwork has now clarified the numbers involved, setting the stage for more serious talks ahead of the summer window.
The player in question is Julian Ryerson, the 28‑year‑old Borussia Dortmund defender who is valued at around €20–30 million and has already held initial conversations through his camp about a possible move to Barcelona, as reported by Fichajes.
The Norwegian, under contract until 2028, has become a reliable performer at Borussia Dortmund, offering versatility to play as a right‑back, wing‑back, left‑back, and even as a third centre‑back when required.
Barcelona views that tactical flexibility, combined with his Bundesliga and Champions League experience, as ideal for Hansi Flick’s high‑intensity, rotation‑heavy system, and crucially, Ryerson is understood to be open to a summer switch.
From a sporting perspective, a move for Ryerson would give Barcelona a more natural full‑back profile on the right, allowing Kounde to be used more frequently in his preferred central role.
His energy up and down the flank, defensive aggression, and ability to contribute in the final third fit the club’s need for a hard‑running, low‑maintenance option who can start or come off the bench without disrupting structure.
Barcelona, for their part, will need to decide whether allocating around €20–30 million to a right‑back is viable under their financial constraints, or whether internal solutions can cover the position.
For now, though, the price is clear, the player is receptive, and a €20m‑plus Borussia Dortmund defender remains firmly on Barcelona’s radar for a summer move.
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