Tillman, USA star, signs for Leverkusen after success at PSV

The star of the United States men’s national team, Malik Tillman, expressed mixed feelings after finalizing his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven, according to collected statements. The midfielder, however, added that he was “excited to have new experiences in my life”. Tillman contributed to PSV winning the Dutch Eredivisie title in the last two seasons. He joins Leverkusen as one of the first signings for the new coach, Erik ten Hag, who took over this summer.

I’m happy, I’m excited; I think it’s a good step for my career.

Malik Tillman

When asked about his mixed feelings about leaving PSV, Tillman replied:

I definitely have them. But that’s football. Sometimes you have to move on. I’m going to miss it here. I had two great seasons here. I miss the players, the coaches, the people at the club. But I’m also excited to have new experiences in my life. So yes, mixed feelings.

Malik Tillman

Tillman, who mentioned speaking with Ten Hag before the transfer, added:

It’s been a good step for my career [playing for PSV]. Obviously, we’ve won two titles and played well in the Champions League. A great step for my career. I developed as a player and as a person. I can’t be grateful enough for playing for PSV, in front of those fans.

Malik Tillman

His arrival at Leverkusen comes after the departure of the team’s star attacker.

Tillman has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga club.

We have acquired another strong and very dangerous offensive player. He can play both in the number 10 position and in the number 8 position in midfield. Malik is an absolutely top signing for us.

Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director

Tillman, born in Nuremberg, Germany, to a German mother and an American father, played in the youth categories of Bayern Munich after transferring from Bavarian rival SpVgg Greuther Fürth in 2015. He didn’t manage to establish himself in the first team and only played seven matches with Bayern before joining the Scottish Rangers on loan in the 2022-23 season. He joined PSV on loan with an option to buy, which was activated by the Dutch club the following season. Tillman scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 34 official matches with PSV last season. It has 25 international matches with the United States national team, six of them in this summer’s Gold Cup.