A new right wing-back is high on the priority list before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off, and Wolves should push ahead in negotiations for one particular target.
Wolves were dealt a huge blow by the departure of Nelson Semedo, who joined Fenerbahce permanently after his contract at Molineux expired.
Semedo was offered a lucrative four-year contract to stay in Wolverhampton; however, the prospect of a new challenge and working under Jose Mourinho was too enticing for him to turn down.
Since watching the 31-year-old, Vitor Pereira has had problems nailing down a replacement. Marc Pubill joined Atletico Madrid after snubbing the Old Gold, despite negotiations being advanced. Meanwhile, Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez doesn’t want to join Wolves.
With only Rodrigo Gomes, Ki-Jana Hoever and Pedro Lima as options for the wing-back spot, Wolves need to land a new addition and one player could fit the bill.
Wolves must push ahead and sign Julian Ryerson
On Tuesday, it was reported that Wolves have shown an interest in Julian Ryerson from Borussia Dortmund, along with newly promoted Sunderland.
Although Ryerson is currently comfortable at Dortmund, the 27-year-old dreams of playing in the Premier League, and Wolves should grant him that wish.
| Julian Ryerson for Borussia Dortmund in 2024/25 |
| Appearances – 47 |
| Minutes played – 3650 |
| Goals – 2 |
| Assists – 4 |
The Norwegian is an intense, aggressive runner down the right flank, whose energy and dynamism would slot perfectly into Pereira’s system.
Encouragingly, the defender has also appeared 23 times in the Champions League, evincing his qualities in Europe’s elite competition.
With Wolves desperate for an attacking wing-back ahead of their clash against Manchester City, Ryerson fits the bill, and he’s someone who already knows international teammates David Moller Wolfe and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
- READ MORE: Wolves player told to urgently ‘buck his ideas up’ after frustrating Vitor Pereira in pre-season
Ryerson shares the ‘pit bull’ nickname with Joao Gomes
Pereira deploys a high pressing system at Wolves, encouraging his players to win the ball back high and possesses strong levels of stamina.
That is why Joao Gomes is quality in the number eight role, as his aggressive, tough-tackling displays make him a perfect foil for the elegant Andre.
Gomes was often referred to as a ‘Pitbull’ during his time at Flamengo due to his combative style and relentless energy, sharing the same nickname with Ryerson.
Speaking in April 2024, former Dortmund manager Edin Terzic said: “A big compliment to Norway. I’ve worked with four Norwegians in my career so far, and all of them have been outstanding,” Terzic said.
“Julian [Ryerson] is a little underrated. But we are very happy to have him on our team. He works hard for the team and does his job really well. Every team needs a player like him. He’s like a pit bull on the pitch.”
Wolves could have two strong, aggressive Norwegians in their wing-back roles before they play Man City.