By Anthony Onifade

5th May, 2023 | 8:10pm

Malik Tillman has played final match for Rangers as crushing news emerges

Malik Tillman may well have played his final game in a Rangers shirt as manager Michael Beale reveals a crushing new update on the on-loan Bayern Munich star.

Tillman, who’s enjoyed a tremendous campaign at Ibrox, was substituted in the first half of the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic on Sunday [30 April], due to a worrying hamstring issue.

The talented midfielder was seen wearing a cast and crutches soon after coming off, casting doubt over his immediate future at Ibrox, and in a worrying update provided by Beale. The Celtic injury may well be the last of what Rangers fans see of their star loanee.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Scottish Premiership second-phase clash with Aberdeen on Sunday [7 May], Beale said: “Malik Tillman has performed well for the club but he will be ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.

“Borna Barisic will miss the game at the weekend, Ryan Kent has had a few issues so we will continue to monitor him.”

Rangers had the option to make his move permanent for a bargain price at £5m this summer, but according to journalist Chris Jack proving a transfer update on the matter, that deal looks increasingly unlikely.

Writing is his The Herald article on Thursday (4 May), Jack reported that Tillman, 20, will be watched over by Bayern this summer but there’s “every chance” opportunities will be limited for him next season, opening the door for him to seek a move elsewhere.

The Gers will be looking to significantly overhaul the squad this summer, with the likes of key stars Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent departing Ibrox, and it is understood that spending £5million on the USA attacker would take a “considerable chunk” out of Beale’s budget.

Though, Jack argued it may be money well spent as they could make a significant profit in the future.

He wrote: “Tillman’s value will increase if he is part of a side that is successful domestically under Beale’s tutelage.

“If he can perform on the European stage, his next move would take him back to one of the biggest leagues on the continent and Rangers will be rewarded for their initial investment three, four or five times over on a player that was an unknown quantity when he arrived at Ibrox.

“The other side of the debate is that such an outlay this summer cannot be justified, no matter how prominent Tillman has been over the course of the campaign and no matter how pivotal he could be for Beale’s side at home and abroad.”

Certainly, with Rangers looking to massively overhaul their squad, £5m may prove too big a spend to sign Tillman but given the qualities he’s shown at Ibrox throughout his successful spell, the Gers fans certainly won’t be happy to see the back of him.

The 20-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a brilliant and rapid development under Beale’s management with the former QPR coach providing him with the tactical dynamics and freedom to wreak havoc in a Rangers shirt this season.

Tillman has unquestionably repaid that faith and tactical decision with some superb returns in the final third, registering 14 goal involvements from 28 Scottish Premiership games.

Such numbers and gifts make him an absolute certainty to try and sign as those qualities could prove crucial once again in finally trying to topple Celtic next season.

He’s played at a club where he’s guaranteed starts, freedom to express himself and most of all, joy at doing what he does best – he may not get that at such a demanding and expectant Bayern Munich side next season.

Whatever the circumstances this summer, the Light Blues must do everything they can to place Tillman in a Rangers shirt again.

In other Rangers news, John Bennett and other Ibrox investors are ready to dig deep to stump up new transfer cash.