Malik Tillman’s impressive two seasons with PSV has led to reported interest from one of Germany’s title challengers.
Bayer Leverkusen is pushing to acquire Tillman during the Summer Transfer Window, multiple outlets reported Friday. Dutch outlet ED has reported that PSV is seeking €40 million for Tillman’s services, while the player has agreed to personal terms with the Bundesliga club.
The 23-year-old Tillman originally joined PSV in the Summer of 2023 on loan before making his move permanent in 2024. Tillman has recorded 25 goals and 19 assists in 73 appearances for the club since then, lifting two Eredivisie titles and being a key player in Peter Bosz’s squad.
A former Bayern Munich youth player, Tillman also spent time with Scottish Premiership side Rangers, scoring 12 goals in 43 appearances.
Tillman is currently enjoying a positive summer with the U.S. men’s national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored three goals during the team’s group stage schedule, helping Mauricio Pochettino’s squad advance to Sunday’s quarterfinal against Costa Rica.
Bayer Leverkusen lifted the Bundesliga title during the 2023-24 season under Xabi Alonso, but finished 13 points behind Bayern Munich during the most recent campaign. Alonso departed the club to become the new manager at Real Madrid, opening the door for Erik Ten Hag to fill the vacancy at Leverkusen.
Should be a positive move for Tillman, considering he needs to play against better competition. Tillman needs to improve his speed of play both physically and mentally. He really seems to be finding his game in the Gold Cup for the US. His workrate speaks volumes about his character and understanding what is needed to win and be a leader by example. Taking the next step at club and country will really increase his value and plant his flag in global futbol.
Panama was the best team in the tournament for their first 350 minutes of play. Now they’re out. Completely dominated in the first half, but did very little in the second half and then lost on pks.
Yep.
Big move. Looks to be the right move as well. I hope gets thrown in the deep end AND SWIMS!
It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
As a stand alone, this is a big jump for Tillman. Even more so, when you factor everything in…the transfer amount, the perception that he will be replacing Wirtz, this coming season being a transition year for Bayer, the jump up in level from Eredivisie to the Bundesliga, and the Bayer fans expectations…this will be a steep hurdle for Tillman.
I have concerns…not about his skill set…but about his personality and if he has the makeup to endure and persevere if he does not get off to a great start.
At least he’s going back to his native country. He knows the language, the culture, the traditions. He’s played a little in the Bundesliga, been to the cities with the Bayern youth teams. Gives him a leg up over some Americans that have struggled in Germany.
We’re going to learn more about Tillman today. Let’s see how he responds when things get tough for the USMNT. Let’s see if he has the makeup and personality to grab the game by the scruff and make a difference, not only as a player, but as a leader, as well.
Bought for 12 million, one year later sold for 35-40 million. Not a bad deal for PSV. Bayern will get some of that for solidarity payments and training compensation but a pretty good profit for Earnie. Hey Earnie can you now resurrect Matt Turner?
And Gio. I mean, once Tillman’s gone, they’ll need a #10….
I stand by my “Earnie is not interested in that circus again.” statement.
I like that Idea…..a lot
quozzel,
I bet they think they can do it cheaper and with less risk.
Ricardo Pepi’s annual salary is roughly $2.6 million USD, based on a five-year contract with the Dutch club. He’s the third highest paid player on the club,
He’s also very much worth the money and PSV is probably will finally be able to afford a subscription to SBI when they sell him.
Gio makes 2.88 million dollars annually.
The jury is out on whether he can replace Tillman who makes $342,034 annually. That’s right Malik makes less than a quarter of what Gio does.
Earnie and his people either need Gio and his people to give them a discount or they have to be convinced that Mr. Diva shitbag can be flipped for a lot more than BVB will ask to let him go.
High risk/ high reward . I’m not sure the rest of the soccer world shares the SBI fans high opinion of Gio’s potential. And right now apparently even IV’s strong endorsement of Gio is not enough to turn him into a hot prospect.
PSV also has the option of trying out Phoenix’s Richie L. as Malik’s replacement. Attacking midfield is after all Richie’s natural spot. At $424,000 annually he’s also cheaper.
Don’t get me wrong it might be great for Gio but Earnie might be thinking life is too short for this kind shitshow.
V: Richie Ledezma was sold to Chivas.
Too bad. Maybe Richie should have waited.
All about PSV agreeing a fee close to their valuation. Look forward to seeing him become Leverkusens new #10.