Journalist: Rangers must sign Malik Tillman ‘at all costs’ this summer
Journalist Joshua Barrie has urged Rangers to secure the permanent signing of Malik Tillman “at all costs” this summer.
The “outstanding” fan favourite has been a standout performer for the Light Blues in the 2022/23 campaign and Michael Beale has made his desire to keep the 20-year-old very clear.
It is understood that the Gers want to secure Tillman on a permanent agreement once his loan deal expires in the summer [The Athletic, 25 January], with German BILD journalist Christian Falk reporting on 14 September that the Light Blues have the option to buy Tillman for €7m (roughly £6m) when his loan agreement ends.
And Barrie, speaking on the Rangers Review podcast [20 March] believes that the Gers are not going to find another player of his ability if they don’t sign him.
He said (17:24): “I think it’s pretty obvious that I’d been in the buy Tillman at all costs camp. And I don’t think there’s much debate around that.
“I don’t think Rangers are going to get a player of his ability, but also potential at 20 now, 21 next season.
“Still in his first professional season, you’ve got to remember that. You’ve got to imagine every player will be better in their second professional season.”
Superb talent
The 20-year-old playmaker has undergone a stark and rapid development under Beale’s management with the former Queens Park Rangers coach providing him with more of a refined and dynamic advanced role in the Rangers midfield.
Tillman has unquestionably repaid that faith and tactical decision with some superb returns in the final third, so far registering 8 goals and 4 assists from 24 Scottish Premiership outings this season.
With Beale looking to build a youthful, dynamic and exciting squad at the Ibrox, Tillman is certainly one of the centrepieces of that jigsaw and Barrie is absolutely right in that the Gers are simply not going to find a more polished talent than him this summer.
£6m for his services is an absolute snip and a deal the Light Blues must jump at the chance of securing.
The American’s movement, intricate technical skills and unique abilities both in the final third and in front of goal certainly make him a complete package at Ibrox, and it is why the Gers must continue to build around him.
He’s a superb talent, one with the potential to become a Rangers icon.
In other Rangers news, the club board should now be feeling the pressure after images emerge from stands in 4-2 win over Motherwell.