Malik Tillman Rangers move could be ‘too expensive’, would be a ‘big miss’ – Former Ibrox chief
Neil Murray has suggested Rangers could struggle to make Malik Tillman’s move permanent when his loan deal expires in the summer.
The Gers have the option to sign the 20-year-old from Bayern Munich at the end of the season but it remains to be seen if the option will be taken up.
Murray, who was Rangers’ head of recruitment from 2011-2013, has suggested the transfer could prove too difficult to finance.
“The ship has sailed on selling Kent and Morelos for fees, so there’s nothing really to sell of significant note,” said Murray (PLZ Football Show, 20m 33s, 28 February).
“Logically, they’ll then have to fund the manager and if Kent and Morelos go that’s two key areas they’ll have to fill. Tillman could prove to be too expensive and he will go back to Bayern. That will be a big miss considering the goals he’s scored this season.
“Then at the back, there’s the goalkeeping situation, which is equally as important as a striker.”
Prepare for the worst
It would not be a surprise if Rangers failed to land Tillman on a permanent deal. German BILD journalist Christian Falk revealed [14 September] that the Light Blues have the option to buy Tillman for £5m-£6m when his loan deal ends.
For a player of Tillman’s undoubted quality, a move does seem like a no-brainer for the board. However, considering their recent transfer activity, it would not be a surprise if they opted to turn down the option in his contract. He’s a player who would hold his value due to his age and the impact he’s already made.
There’s a very strong chance for the American will develop further during his time at Ibrox and go on to be an asset for the club moving forward. Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey are two examples of how Rangers have made a significant profit. The 20-year-old would be no different.
It’s up to the board to show some ambition and back Beale in this situation. Whether that will be the case certainly remains to be seen.
In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.