Chris Jack shares what sources in Germany say about Bayern Munich and Rangers loanee Malik Tillman
Bayern Munich are satisfied with how the loan transfer of Malik Tillman to Rangers has worked out, according to Chris Jack.
The attacker joined the Gers from the German giants last summer on a loan deal with a £5million option to buy.
Born in Germany but representing the USA at international level, Tillman has scored 12 goals and registered five assists from his 43 appearances for the club so far.
“The unique way in which Tillman’s arrival from Bayern Munich was structured is a credit to Ross Wilson, the former sporting director, and put Rangers in a strong position,” Jack wrote for The Herald.
“The fee for a permanent move was set last summer and his parent club have a clause that would allow them to buy Tillman back again – at a higher price than Rangers have in black and white – should they believe that he can make the step up from Ibrox to the Allianz Arena.
“Sources in Germany have detailed Bayern’s satisfaction at how the move has worked out for Tillman and the Bundesliga giants – now managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel – are understood to be encouraged by the development of a talent that was signed alongside his brother, Timothy, from Greuther Furth eight years ago.”
Big fee
The £5million fee may not seem huge outside of Scottish football, but it is a very big deal within the country, with Tillman certain to be under constant analysis if he does make a permanent switch to Ibrox.
It’s one of many decisions that Michael Beale must think about carefully over the next couple of weeks.
Fortunately he seemingly has a bit of free time to focus on such matters given the fact Rangers are out of all cup competitions and look certain to lose out on the league title to rivals Celtic.
While the boss will want as strong a finish as possible, he can also get to work on building his team for next season, but whether or not Tillman will be part of it remains to be seen.
The youngster has impressed in his debut campaign in Scotland, and Rangers should definitely take the risk by signing him permanently.
He can play a key role on the pitch next season, and could even represent a major windfall for the club in the near future if he progresses to another level.
In other Rangers news, one Sky Sports pundit has boldly claimed it could be “lightyears” before the Gers topple Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.