Bayer Leverkusen has announced the signing of US national team player Malik Tillman.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joins the Bundesliga club from reigning Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, as confirmed by the club on Saturday. Tillman, born in Nuremberg, has signed a contract with Bayer Leverkusen running until June 30, 2030.
During his time with PSV, Tillman enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 16 goals and contributing five assists in 34 competitive matches. He also recorded three goals and two assists in six Champions League appearances.
“With Malik Tillman, we have gained another technically gifted and very goal-scoring attacking player for us” stated Bayer Leverkusen’s Sporting Director Simon Rolfes. “He can be deployed variably in midfield, covering both the central and attacking midfield positions. Malik is an absolute top transfer for us”. Rolfes added that Tillman’s playing style aligns well with Leverkusen’s approach, predicting a significant boost to their offensive play through his dynamism.
The 1.87-meter tall right-footed player’s move constitutes a return to German football. Tillman initially joined FC Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2015, having previously played for SpVgg Greuther Fürth. He was subsequently loaned to Scottish powerhouse Glasgow Rangers in 2022, before being sent on loan to Eindhoven a year later. PSV permanently transferred the playmaker in 2024.
Tillman has accumulated 21 appearances for various German national youth teams. He represented the German U21 four times before opting to play for the US national team in 2022. He was part of the US squad that reached the final of the Gold Cup in the USA and Canada, ultimately losing to Mexico 2-1.
