Rangers are thought to be relaxed over Malik Tillman’s future – but journalist Chris Jack has warned his fine form could stop him being at Ibrox next season.
The Lowdown: Tillman at Rangers
Tillman arrived at Ibrox in the summer, joining on a season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich, with the Gers holding an exclusive option to buy clause (via Rangers).
The 20-year-old bagged in Rangers’ recent outing against Ross County, scoring a second goal in as many games to take his tally up to seven SPFL goals at the weekend.
Tillman was born in Germany, but has represented the USA four times, narrowly missing out on the World Cup squad after previously being involved in the three prior matches due to his form in Scotland.
The Latest: Will he stay?
Given his importance to the Rangers side this season – especially since Michael Beale’s arrival – the Gers will surely be keen to see him extend his stay at Ibrox beyond the end of the campaign, with Jack telling The Rangers Review he’d be surprised if he doesn’t stay, saying:
“Right now, I don’t see why [he wouldn’t stay].
“Rangers are in a strong position, they’ve got that deal in place with Bayern Munich, they’ve got first dibs on him. I would be amazed if they don’t try and activate that clause to make Malik a Rangers player come the summer.
“The only danger, I think, for Rangers is, the better he plays, the more impressive he is, he may well get other clubs then onto his people or to Bayern Munich, saying, ‘by the way, we can give you more money than Rangers, we can offer you more money personally in terms of offering a better league, better European aspirations.
“That may be the only fly in the ointment for Rangers, at the moment Rangers seem relaxed about the situation, Tillman seems relaxed about the situation and I’d be very surprised if he’s not a Rangers player come the first game of next season.”
The Verdict: Deal to be done?
The Daily Record recently reported that Beale admitted the youngster’s future hangs on the decision that his parent club make, with Rangers holding no obligation to sign him and the exclusive clause holds just a first option to buy scenario that only exists if Bayern entertain offers.
But given Bayern Munich’s depth in attacking midfield consists of wonderkid Jamal Musiala – who bagged nine Bundesliga goals before the World Cup break – legendary figure Thomas Muller and teenager Paul Wanner, there are plenty of direct rivals standing in Tillman’s way.
Rangers are all but set to enter the qualifying rounds of the Champions League with them sitting 19 points clear of third place, so they will be able to offer at least the chance to make it to the group stages alongside regular game time that will surely be invaluable to Tillman and give them the edge over any potential suitors.
