German-based broadcast journalist Derek Rae has been discussing the failed Rangers transfer of Bayern’s attacking midfield talent Malik Tillman.
Taking to Twitter, the Scottish journalist was discussing reports in Germany which have claimed Bayern Munich now want to send the 20-year-old USA international to the Premier League.
This comes after an impressive season in Scotland, where Malik Tillman scored 12 goals and picked up the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award at the end of the campaign.
“Kicker reporting Bayern‘s intention with Malik Tillman is to transfer him to the Premier League, after exercising their option to buy him back from Rangers following his loan (with option to buy) spell in Glasgow last season,” said Derek Rae.
“My understanding it was quite an unusual deal in that Rangers had a buy option but Bayern retained the power to top that option so they ultimately held the cards.
“I believe there was a nominal fee for doing that.
“Bayern covered all bases for themselves in making the deal. It was a slightly unusual arrangement compared to most loan + buy option deals where it’s a lot more clear cut for the buying club.”
Derek Rae comments on Malik Tillman Rangers claims
Rangers had negotiated an exclusive option-to-buy into the deal when Tillman signed on loan last summer, but since then the player’s progress has had Bayern Munich rethinking the £5m arrangement.
Michael Beale and Rangers were clear they were interested in signing Malik Tillman this summer but reports emerged last week that Bayern had cancelled the option, compensating the Gers around £1m in the process.
This had the usual suspects in rival camps piping up online and even with Derek Rae discussing the situation of Malik Tillman, we don’t suspect it’ll pacify them.
But it’s clear that Rangers have been financially recompensed for the deal and even if the club won’t be lining up with Malik Tillman next season, the Gers now have a pot of money they can spend elsewhere.
Perhaps it was bold to expect such an exciting young talent as Malik Tillman to rock up at Ibrox permanently next season but nonetheless, the player will always have a home in Glasgow.
As for the Premier League, Malik Tillman has been linked with a move to the likes of Brighton and Brentford this summer.
