This week, Malik Tillman, an attacking midfielder and potential future star for the United States Men’s National Team, signed a contract extension with his current club Bayern Munich. Tillman has only made four appearances for the Bavarian giants, but his time in Germany is doing him well.
Young Tillman’s Extension and Loan Opens Opportunities
Malik Tillman has extended his contract and moved on loan to PSV. ✍️🔄
Good luck in the Eredivisie, Malik! 🙏#MiaSanMia
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) August 10, 2023
Dutch Experience Follows Scottish Excursion
Now with Bayern until 2026, the 21-year-old goal-scorer has found most of his experience in another European arena, and will soon be getting more in a new setting. Last season was spent with Scottish club Rangers. Tillman had a good season, contributing over ten across all competitions, and being named to the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season.
After impressing the Bayern’s Reserves, but not making a breakthrough for the senior Rot Blau’s, the German-born midfielder has found a new home away from home this coming campaign. Tillman, who could make his debut as early as August 15th, will join Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven for a year’s worth of playing experience in the Eredivisie.
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PSV have a proud history of success in European and domestic competitions. While they normally play second-fiddle to their Amsterdam rivals Ajax, the Eindhoven squad have previously captured the European Cup and many Dutch league titles, as well as domestic cup, wins. The addition of Tillman shows that PSV will seek to challenge Ajax and Feyenoord for the Eredivisie crown again this year. The Rood-Wittens are also currently in Champions League qualifying and look set to advance to the next stage after a strong first-leg performance against Austrian club Strum Graz.
The Irony of A PSV Move
Rangers were making a modest yet noticeable effort to gain the American’s services for another year, but PSV are a much more attractive side at the moment. Dutch football possesses more consistency in their domestic league strength, and winning a trophy would surely bolster Tillman’s prospects for playing for the USMNT.
Assuming the second leg against Sturm Graz goes well, a showdown with Rangers awaits. Any contribution that the youngster makes to eliminating his further club will surely dampen their mood on his matches spent playing for the club, but Tillman is a winner, and he will do his best to see whatever team he plays for advance.
Tillman’s Current USMNT Prospects
Representing the German national teams at youth levels, Tillman made a switch to the USMNT in May of 2022. At the moment he has only taken the pitch in four matches, but his youth promises a future role on the national team. Should he become a regular with his new club, he could soon find himself playing for coach Gregg Berhalter more often.
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Heaping praise on the arrival of a promising loan deal from Bayern, PSV’s sporting director recognized Tillman as a youthful talent with a strong ability to create plays on and off the ball. The Dutch club are capable of spotting and developing talent, which they see plenty of in their newest signing. This does not guarantee a USMNT spot for Tillman, but it is beginning to show on the horizon.
Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports, of a Malik Tillman Headshot, on June 1, 2022.
