Bayer Leverkusen, fresh off their historic Bundesliga triumph, have bolstered their squad with the signing of United States international Malik Tillman. The attacking midfielder arrives at the BayArena after an impressive two-year spell with PSV Eindhoven, where he played a pivotal role in securing consecutive Eredivisie titles.
At 23 years old (born May 28, 2002), Tillman joins Leverkusen as a player entering his prime, bringing a blend of creativity, goal threat, and European experience. His acquisition signals Leverkusen`s intent to build upon their domestic success and compete strongly across all competitions.
The Journey to the BayArena
Tillman`s career path has taken him through some notable European academies and leagues. Starting out at Greuther Fürth, he made a significant move to Bayern Munich shortly after his 13th birthday. His talent quickly became evident, particularly in the youth ranks. In the 2019/20 season, he finished as the top scorer in the U19 Bundesliga before the season`s interruption, demonstrating his early goal-scoring prowess.
He progressed to Bayern`s reserve team, contributing five goals in eight games during the latter half of the 2019/20 season as they climbed to win the 3. Liga title. This earned him promotion to the first-team squad and his senior debut, featuring in the Bundesliga and Champions League for the Bavarian giants. He even netted his first senior goal in the DFB Cup in 2021/22.
A loan spell at Scottish side Rangers followed, providing valuable first-team exposure, where he registered 10 goals and four assists in 28 league appearances. This period in a demanding league further refined his game before his move to the Netherlands.
Eredivisie Success and International Allegiance
Tillman`s time at PSV Eindhoven truly saw him flourish. Joining a club that hadn`t won the Eredivisie in five years, he became an instrumental figure. In his first season (2023/24), he contributed significantly with nine goals and 10 assists, helping PSV clinch the title. He backed this up with an even stronger showing in 2024/25, finding the net 12 times in 26 league games and adding three goals in six UEFA Champions League outings as PSV secured a second consecutive league crown.
Despite representing Germany at various youth levels (21 appearances), Tillman ultimately chose to represent the United States senior national team, a decision that reportedly surprised the German U21 coaching staff. He has since earned 25 caps for the USMNT, scoring his first three goals during the 2025 Gold Cup campaign where the team reached the final.
What Tillman Brings to Leverkusen
Often deployed as an attacking midfielder or from the left flank, Tillman possesses the versatility and goal threat that aligns well with Leverkusen`s dynamic system. His ability to both score and create goals from midfield makes him a valuable asset.
Comparisons have been drawn to former PSV teammate Xavi Simons, now starring at RB Leipzig – a player Tillman was arguably brought in to help replace in Eindhoven. Both are dynamic, goal-scoring midfielders comfortable in central attacking roles or on the wing, capable of causing significant problems for opposition defenses. Leverkusen will be hoping Tillman can replicate Simons` impact in the Bundesliga.
“In Malik Tillman we have gained another player who has great ability and is very dangerous in front of goal,” commented Leverkusen`s managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes. “He can play in midfield either as a number 10 or as a number 8. Malik is an absolute top signing for us.”
His talent hasn`t gone unnoticed by coaches either. PSV head coach Peter Bosz once remarked, “I almost found Tillman scary, so good. I really enjoyed watching him from the bench.” High praise indeed.
An Interesting Footnote
Interestingly, Malik`s path to Bayern Munich was initially influenced by his older brother, Timothy Tillman, also an attacking midfielder. Timothy was a highly-rated prospect signed by Bayern from Fürth in 2015. Young Malik also secured a place at the Bayern Campus at the same time. While Timothy`s journey didn`t involve prolonged senior success at Bayern, he remains a professional, currently playing for Los Angeles FC in MLS. Malik, however, has now returned to German football at the highest level, forging his own impressive career.
Malik Tillman`s arrival at Bayer Leverkusen adds another exciting dimension to the Bundesliga. Having proven his pedigree in the Netherlands and on the international stage, the American attacker is poised to make a significant impact for the reigning German champions.
