Not signing for any club as a scholar/trainee, Ryan spent time playing youth football for Leatherhead before having a successful trial for Brentford ‘B’. Signing a deal in January 2021, he was a member of Premier League Cup (under-21s) and London Senior Cup-winning sides over the following two seasons. With a freshly-extended contract, and two first-team substitute appearances in cup games behind him, Ryan’s loan move to Exeter City was the first of his career. 

He was one of eight players to make his Grecians’ debut in the win at Wycombe Wanderers on the opening day of the 2023/24 season. A fortnight later he followed up with his first goal for City in the win at Carlisle before later scoring two memorable goals against Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the League Cup. 

Featuring strongly in midfield, Ryan sustained a serious injury against Cambridge United on 22 December 2023 and was recalled by Brentford in January 2024 to undergo treatment and rehabilitation. Quickly recovering, Ryan was named as a substitute for Premier League fixtures later in the season and duly started his first full game for the Bees in the League Cup against Colchester United in August 2024.