Returning Bayern board member Karl Heinz Rummenigge has pledged to replace the goals of Robert Lewandowski as Rangers await an outcome in their pursuit of Malik Tillman.
The Bayern legend is back in the Bavarian boardroom after weeks of upheaval which saw legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and ex-Munich right-back Hasan Salihamidzic – coincidentally the man who struck the Tillman Rangers loan deal – sacked from their director roles at the club.
Speaking after Bayern announced two new signings ahead of the new season, after narrowly winning their 11th straight Bundesliga title on the final day, Karl Heinz Rummenigge was clear that the investment will continue.
This comes after the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Portuguese left-back Raphael Guerreiro and RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer, who both join on pre-contract deals.
“The transfer market is starting now, every club is trying to improve its team,” said Karl Heinz Rummenigge.
“Last year (Robert) Lewandowski was sold, that was at least 50 goals across all competitions which was missing. I think something will have to be done about that.
“But the rest is all calm. I think we now got good players in (Raphael) Guerreiro and (Konrad) Laimer. I like Laimer a lot, very physical, very aggressive, he fits in well with the midfield we have now.”
Karl Heinz Rummmenigge pledge leaves Rangers waiting on Malik Tillman
Rangers have been extensively linked with a £5m move for Malik Tillman, the Gers holding an exclusive option-to-buy over the attacking midfielder following a successful loan spell last season.
It remains unclear what Bayern’s plans are for the midfielder next season, with the club having changed managers to Thomas Tuchel from Julian Nagelsmann since Malik Tillman was allowed to move to Rangers.
There are also reports that attacking trio Sadio Mane, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry could be leaving the club, meaning there is space for Malik Tillman to leave an impression on the new Bayern manager.
What is clear from the comments of Karl Heinz Rummenigge is that Bayern will be investing in more firepower this summer and Rangers will be waiting to see where that leaves them with the Tillman pursuit.
The 20-year-old USA international will also be key to any transfer of course, Tillman admitting as much when he picked up the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.
Malik Tillman also won the Rangers Young Player of the Year award, the attacker playing 43 times for Rangers and scoring 12 goals.
