Center midfielder Malik Tillman shocked the soccer world in May when the Bayern Munich youngster announced he was switching his nationality to play for the United States instead of Germany. Now on a quest for more playing time, Tillman is heading to Scotland on a loan deal with Rangers.
#RangersFC are today delighted to announce the signing of Malik Tillman on a season-long loan from @FCBayern, with an exclusive option to buy.
All the info— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 15, 2022
Tillman: “It is a new challenge for me at a huge club with fantastic supporters and I can’t wait for the season ahead."
Watch our exclusive interview with Malik Tillman.⏰ Sunday 7pm, only on RangersTV. pic.twitter.com/IUNHzItTN4
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 15, 2022
Tillman’s loan will last one season and gives Rangers the option to buy him permanently. His contract with Bayern runs through 2024.
This is a solid move for Tillman as he has gotten little to no playing time with Bayern’s first team since he joined the youth side in 2015. The 20-year-old made seven appearances for the first team last season for a total of 164 minutes, scoring one goal.
USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter brought Tillman into the national team’s June camp and let him feature in a friendly vs. Morocco and a Concacaf Nations League game against Grenada.
Tillman won’t be the only USMNT player on loan at Rangers. Defender James Sands is on loan with the Scottish giants from New York City FC until May 2023. Sands joined halfway through last season and made 14 appearances, including in the UEFA Europa League final.
Sands is a versatile player who can play center back, defensive midfielder and central midfielder. We might get to see two Americans in the Rangers midfield at the same time next season if Tillman and Sands play together.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst hinted in a club statement that Tillman could have a more attacking role.
“I am very pleased to welcome Malik to our squad ahead of the 2022-23 season," van Bronckhorst said. "He is an exciting young talent who will further add to our attacking options and myself and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him.”
Unless Tillman or Sands go on an incredible hot streak for Rangers, it’s unlikely either of the two will be on the USMNT’s plane to Qatar. Even though they might not get to contribute at the World Cup it’s still exciting to see young Americans making moves in Europe.
