According to Absolut Fussball, Julian Ryerson is emerging to be a target for Liverpool to solve their defensive crisis. The Borussia Dortmund defender is an experienced professional who would suit the Merseysiders as they are looking to replace the injured Conor Bradley.
Liverpool have had their defensive problems this season, be it conceding plenty of crucial goals or losing personnel to injuries. Earlier in the season, they lost young summer arrival Giovanni Leoni to a season-ending ACL injury, and their recent draw against Arsenal has come at a high cost.
Conor Bradley suffered a nasty knee injury that has since ruled him out for the remainder of the season following surgery. The absence of Leoni has pushed the otherwise injury-prone Joe Gonez as cover for the centre-backs, and now the Bradley injury could see Liverpool’s depth in the position truly tested.
Jeremie Frimpong has also only returned from a hamstring problem, and the Dutchman has been regularly used on the right wing rather than as a full-back. In all seriousness, Liverpool may need to replace Bradley with a new right-back, as Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson has emerged as a target.
The report states the 28-year-old Bundesliga defender is valued at around €20 million, but given his great importance for Dortmund, the German side will demand significantly this month. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool would be willing to pay a premium price for the Norwegian, who has been in top form.
While Liverpool did not have a new right back on their list of January business ideas, the Bradley injury has thrown them into the market to buy a player in that role. Among the many available names, Ryerson might fit the bill given his experience, defensive qualities and how he makes himself a valuable asset when attacking the ball.
He will be a good fit, and the experience he carries will prove worthy for the remainder of the season. Dortmund boss Niko Kovac is very happy with the Norwegian and may not want to sell the 28-year-old Bundesliga defender at the moment. While Ryerson is happy with life at the club, a big offer from Liverpool could change the course of his thoughts, particularly as he can assume a key role there.
