Barry Ferguson: Rangers can make small fortune on Malik Tillman if permanent signing completed
Rangers can make a “small fortune” on Malik Tillman if they manage to permanently sign the midfielder from Bayern Munich in the coming months, according to Barry Ferguson.
The Gers midfielder has been a man on fire since Beale’s arrival at the club, and the American scored his sixth Premiership of the season in the 3-0 win over Hearts on Wednesday night (1 February).
The Athletic revealed (25 January) that Rangers want to secure Tillman on a permanent contract once his loan deal expires in the summer, and the Light Blues should have the option to secure his services for a price in the region of £5m-£6m. [Christian Falk, 14 September 2022]
And former Ibrox man Ferguson believes Beale would “bite your hand off” if he could snap the player up for that meagre price at the end of the season.
Writing in his column for the Daily Record (Saturday 4 February), he said: “The more I see of the young American [Tillman] the more I can’t quite believe how lucky Rangers are to have him. His quality was never in any doubt. The boy is a technician with a natural ability which cannot be taught.
“But, since Beale’s arrival, he has added a work rate and an enthusiasm to his game which just might take him to a whole new level. The suggestion is Rangers have a deal in place to buy him from Bayern Munich for 5 million euros. While that might seem like a lot of money, it looks like a bargain Beale would bite your hand off for right now.
“He’s only 20-years-old which means he’s only a baby in football terms. So if Rangers can get a deal done for him at that price then they’ll end up making a small fortune from him at some point in the future. Guaranteed.”
Prospect
Tillman has shown massive signs of improvement during his small stint at Ibrox under Beale.
His ability to pop up with consistent and match-defining goals is almost Frank Lampard-esq in many respects, and he really is one of the Gers’ most threatening players in the final third.
The American’s movement, technical ability in tight spaces and potent finishing have resulted in him being one of the first names on Beale’s teamsheet in recent weeks. His recent form will likely keep new signing Todd Cantwell sidelined for the moment, as both enjoy playing in an advanced midfield role.
Where Tillman must improve over the coming months – and hopefully years – at Ibrox is with his impact on a game over the full 90 minutes. Too often this campaign, the Bayern Munich loanee has gone missing for large portions of the game and must look to get on the ball as much as possible to weave his magic.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale has delivered the latest update on contract renewals for this deadly duo