Rangers would have loved to have had Malik Tillman for more than just a season.
And the form he has been displaying for PSV since leaving Ibrox shows exactly why.
After a successful loan campaign for the USA international midfielder, Gers and then manager Michael Beale thought they had a good chance to make the move permanent with an option to buy included in the deal.
But it turned out Bayern Munich also had the option of buying that clause back off Rangers for around £1million and that is exactly what they ended up doing before extending his contract and sending him on loan to the Eredivisie.
Tillman has been on fire and the Dutch giants recently did what the Light Blues would have loved by making the switch permanent.
Bayern didn’t consult ex Rangers loanee Tillman
Just like when he was called back from Rangers, Tillman doesn’t appear to have any say in the matter.
There were a few weeks of uncertainty after his loan at Ibrox and even the player himself admitted he was in the dark as to what was going on, after hinting he wouldn’t mind an extended stay in Glasgow.
Like Rangers, PSV had an option to buy inserted in the loan and the 22-year-old had pre-agreed to the contract he would sign if it became official.
But in terms of it actually being rubberstamped, he had nothing to do with the process. Tillman admits his goal will be to return to Bayern one day.
Speaking to Bild, he said: “I just wanted to tell you how the transfer [from Bayern to PSV] went in the final instance. And that was all between the clubs – without me being asked about my feelings or wishes.
“That was the only thing that surprised me. But I’m not complaining at all, quite the opposite. Because I knew the contract I had signed and knew what could happen.
“Of course I would have been happy if Bayern had brought me back, we’re talking about an absolute world club here. But I’m also very happy with the transfer to Eindhoven. Here I have a very good, familiar environment that supports and encourages me 100 percent so that I can continue to grow.
“Of course I can’t comment on numbers, they’re not that important to me! But I don’t want to make a secret of it. A return to Bayern is still a dream and a big goal for me.”
Tillman shows Rangers what they are missing
Tillman did blow a little hot and cold at Rangers but when he was hot he was on fire. And he was just a young man playing in a different country.
It definitely would have made sense at the time to extend the loan if possible or make it permanent but obviously it just didn’t work out.
He has since shown exactly how good a player he is with nine goals and 15 assists in his loan season at PSV. And he has carried that form on this campaign.
And Tillman recently showed Rangers what they are missing on the biggest stage with a lovely solo goal in the Champions League.
