The “Viking” at Anfield: Why Liverpool are Scouting Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson to Save Their Season
In the frantic, pressurized environment of the January transfer window, a single injury can change the trajectory of an entire season. For Liverpool FC, that moment arrived during a bruising 0-0 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates just days ago. When Conor Bradley was stretchered off, grimacing in pain, the collective intake of breath from the traveling Kop was audible.
On January 13, 2026, the diagnosis was confirmed: Bradley has undergone surgery for a significant knee injury. While he avoided the dreaded ACL tear, the ligament and bone damage are severe enough to rule him out for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold having departed for a nominal fee the previous summer and summer signing Jeremie Frimpong battling his own hamstring issues, Arne Slot’s defensive depth has been stripped to the bone. The solution? Reports from Germany, led by Bundesliga expert Christopher Michel, suggest Liverpool have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund’s “Viking” defender, Julian Ryerson.
The Scouting Profile: Who is Julian Ryerson?
Julian Ryerson is not the kind of “wonderkid” that usually dominates the front pages. At 28 years old, the Norwegian international is a finished product—a rugged, tactically disciplined, and relentlessly energetic full-back who has become an “undisputed starter” at Signal Iduna Park.
Often described as a “warrior” by his current coach, Niko Kovač, Ryerson’s style is built on high-intensity running and physical dominance. Standing at 1.83m, he possesses a robust frame that allows him to excel in duels, but it is his technical versatility that has truly caught Arne Slot’s eye.
Key Statistics (2025/26 Season to Date):
- Appearances: 22
- Assists: 6 (A career-high rate)
- Pass Accuracy: 87.2%
- Tackles/Interceptions: Ranking in the 82nd percentile for Bundesliga full-backs.
Ryerson is a rare “dual-threat” defender. While he primarily operates as a right-back, he is equally comfortable on the left and has even filled in as a makeshift center-back in a back three. For a Liverpool squad currently missing Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Owen Beck (Hamstring), this “Swiss Army Knife” utility is worth its weight in gold.
The “Viking” Fit: Why He Suits Arne Slot’s System
Arne Slot’s Liverpool is built on control and transition. Unlike the “Heavy Metal Football” of the Jürgen Klopp era, Slot requires his full-backs to be highly proficient in possession, often tasking them with inverting into midfield to create numerical overloads.
1. Technical Composure
Ryerson’s pass completion rate of over 87% suggests he can handle the responsibilities of a Slot full-back. He is proficient at playing his way out from the back under pressure and possesses a crossing ability that has seen him rack up six assists already this term.
2. Physicality and “Engine”
The Premier League is famously more physical and faster than the Bundesliga. However, Ryerson’s physical metrics—including an average of 183 sprints per game—suggest he wouldn’t just survive in England; he would thrive. Kovač’s description of him as a “Viking” who “spares neither himself nor the opponent” aligns perfectly with the grit required for a title run-in.
The Transfer Tug-of-War
While the need is clear, the deal is far from simple. Ryerson’s contract with Dortmund runs until June 2028, and the German giants are understandably reluctant to lose a key pillar of their defense midway through a campaign where they are chasing Champions League qualification.
- The Price: Dortmund are reportedly holding out for a fee in excess of £25 million. For a 28-year-old, this is a significant investment for a club that usually prioritizes youth.
- The Competition: Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in the Norwegian, while links to Chelsea and Aston Villa persist.
- The Player’s Stance: Ryerson is settled in Dortmund, having spent seven years in the German top flight. Convincing him to leave his “comfort zone” for a potentially temporary starting role (until Frimpong is fully fit) will require a major sales pitch from Slot and a guarantee of significant minutes.
Alternative Perspectives: Is it a Stop-Gap?
Not everyone at Anfield is convinced. Liverpool legend John Barnes recently warned against “stop-gap” moves in January, suggesting the club should trust their current depth, which includes Joe Gomez and the emerging Calvin Ramsay.
Furthermore, some reports from Sky Sports suggest Liverpool might “rule out” a permanent move for Ryerson, preferring a loan with an option to buy to keep their long-term financial flexibility intact. The club’s recruitment team is famously allergic to “panic buying,” and they may wait to see if Jeremie Frimpong can maintain his fitness before committing £25 million to Ryerson.
The Verdict
The injury to Conor Bradley has left Arne Slot with a “big, big blow” at a time when Liverpool are fighting on four fronts. If Slot wants a player who can “hit the ground running,” there are few better candidates in Europe than Julian Ryerson.
He offers the experience, the physical profile, and the tactical flexibility that the Premier League demands. Whether Liverpool’s owners are willing to break their “youth-first” protocol to sign a 28-year-old Norwegian warrior remains the defining question of their January window.