Bayer Leverkusen has announced the signing of US international Malik Tillman, bolstering their attacking midfield options. The 23-year-old offensive midfielder joins the Bundesliga club from reigning Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, with the transfer officially confirmed on Saturday.
Born in Nuremberg, Tillman has committed to Bayer Leverkusen with a contract extending until June 30, 2030. During his time at PSV, he made a significant impact, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. His performances in the Champions League were equally impressive, with three goals and two assists in six matches.
“With Malik Tillman, we have gained another technically gifted and very goal-oriented attacking player for us” stated Bayer Leverkusen’s Sporting Director Simon Rolfes. “He can be deployed flexibly in midfield, covering both the central attacking midfield and the deeper-lying midfield roles. Malik represents a top-tier acquisition for us. His style of play perfectly complements Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Malik’s dynamism will inject a new impetus into our attacking game.
The 1.87-meter tall right-footed player’s move represents a return to Germany. Tillman initially joined FC Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2015, having previously played for SpVgg Greuther Fürth. He subsequently spent time on loan at Scottish club Glasgow Rangers in 2022 before a loan move to Eindhoven followed a year later. PSV finalized his transfer in 2024.
Tillman has accumulated 21 appearances for various German national teams, including four caps for the U21 squad. He ultimately switched allegiance and represented the US national team in 2022. He played a crucial role in the US team’s run to the final of the Gold Cup in the United States and Canada, where they were narrowly defeated by Mexico 2-1.