Wolves and Sunderland lodge 'enquiries' to sign versatile £17m Bundesliga gem

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson this summer but face competition from newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland.

The Old Gold are in the market for a new right-sided wing-back following the departure of Nelson Semedo. Captain before his contract expiry, Semedo took a while to make his final decision - over a month after his deal came to an end - but he eventually announced he’d be leaving despite being offered an extension, instead joining Fenerbahce.

Wanderers have been heavily linked with a move for Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez in recent days, reportedly in advanced talks with the Spanish La Liga club over a permanent deal worth around £14.7 million. Juanlu won’t be the only option the club are considering, though, with others on a shortlist.

Wolves and Sunderland eye Dortmund star

One player Wolves are reportedly considering instead of Juanlu is Dortmund’s Ryerson. Sky Germany claims Wolves and Sunderland have the Norway international on their summer shortlists and both have lodged enquiries to BVB.

No concrete talks have been held just yet but that could change in the near future as Wolves and Sunderland are said to hold a strong interest. Ryerson is reportedly happy in Dortmund but the Premier League is his dream destination, so he could be tempted to move onto pastures new.

Signed from fellow Bundesliga club Union Berlin back in January 2023, Ryerson has racked up 101 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, scoring six goals and providing six assists in that time. Albeit yet to win a major trophy, the 27-year-old, a regular starter, has now had plenty of experience at the top level.

Predominantly a right-back but also more than capable of playing at left-back or even as a defensive midfielder, Ryerson has proven his versatility over the years. Wolves could really tap into that as they not only need a right wing-back but have also been eyeing several deep-lying midfield players.

Semedo farewell heartfelt

It took Semedo a while to communicate his decision to reject the offer of a generous new four-year contract, but his departure message to Wolves fans was straight from the heart. Posting on Instagram, Semedo said: “The time has arrived and I want to thank you all for these five years, and tell you that you made me grow so much as an athlete and as a person.

“I always tried my best every single day to represent this club on way it deserves and I made sure that I always left the pitch with nothing else to give. Things took lots of time, but the club knows that I have always been transparent with them because I really want us to be on the level we must be.

“I met beautiful people that I will take in my heart and lead the club as a captain, I think you have no idea how proud and happy I am for that. I love you and I’ll miss you. Once a Wolf always a Wolf. Wolves ay we.”