As the summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle United finds itself at a significant crossroads regarding the future of its defensive lineup. For several seasons, Kieran Trippier has been the undisputed leader on the right side of the pitch, providing veteran leadership and elite crossing ability.
However, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season and no progress made on a renewal, the hierarchy at St. James’ Park is reportedly preparing for a future without the England international. This shift in strategy suggests that the club is ready to move in a younger, more durable direction to support their ambitions in the Premier League and European competition.
The need for a fresh face at right-back has been highlighted by the recent fitness struggles of Tino Livramento. While the former Southampton man is viewed as the long-term successor to the role, his recurring injury issues have left manager Eddie Howe in a difficult position.
Howe has often had to rely on a heavily fatigued Trippier because there were simply no other viable options available. To prevent this from happening again next season, the club is looking for a versatile, robust defender who can provide both competition and coverage across the backline.
According to reports emerging from Germany, specifically from the outlet BILD, Newcastle has turned its attention toward Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson. The 28-year-old Norwegian international has become a standout performer in the Bundesliga since his move from Union Berlin in 2023.
What makes Ryerson particularly attractive to a manager like Howe is his incredible work rate and his ability to play effectively on both the right and left flanks. This versatility is a trait that Howe prizes highly, as it allows for tactical flexibility during matches and provides insurance against injuries in multiple positions.
Ryerson’s statistics this season are nothing short of elite. In 29 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, he has managed to rack up 13 assists. These numbers prove that he possesses the attacking edge required to thrive in Newcastle’s high-intensity system.
Much like Trippier and Livramento, Ryerson is a player who thrives on getting forward and delivering dangerous balls into the box for the likes of Alexander Isak to attack. His ability to balance these offensive contributions with disciplined defensive play has made him one of the most consistent full-backs in Germany.
The financial side of the deal also looks very favorable for the Magpies. Ryerson is currently valued at approximately €20 million. In the modern market, where top-tier full-backs often command astronomical fees, securing a player of his experience and quality for such a price could be considered a masterstroke.
However, Newcastle is not alone in its admiration. The same reports suggest that Manchester United is also keeping a close eye on the Norwegian, potentially setting up a transfer battle between two of England’s biggest clubs.
There is a growing trend of Scandinavian players thriving in the Premier League, and Newcastle already has first-hand experience of this with the success of Swedish striker Alexander Isak. The presence of other regional stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard in the league makes a move to England highly attractive for a player like Ryerson.
This cultural fit, combined with Newcastle’s ambitious project, could give them the edge in negotiations. If personal terms are not an issue, the deal could move forward quite quickly once the window opens.
From a squad-building perspective, the logic behind this move is sound. Even if Livramento regains full fitness, having a player of Ryerson’s caliber available ensures that the team does not suffer a massive drop in quality during rotations.
Furthermore, if Trippier does indeed depart at the end of his contract, the leadership vacuum he leaves behind will need to be filled by players who are used to the pressure of playing for major European clubs. Ryerson has proven at Dortmund that he can handle the spotlight of the Champions League and the intensity of a title race.
As the season enters its final stretch, Eddie Howe remains tight-lipped about specific transfer targets, but the “intensive” interest reported by German sources suggests that the groundwork is already being laid.
The goal for Newcastle is clear: they want to build a squad with enough depth and quality to compete on all fronts without being derailed by a single injury. Julian Ryerson fits that profile perfectly, offering a blend of technical skill, physical stamina, and tactical intelligence that could make him a fan favorite on Tyneside for years to come.
