Bayern Munich have sacked sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic as Rangers nervously watch on regarding a potential deal for Malik Tillman.
The German champions took the decision to sack both Hasan Salihamidzic and chief executive Oliver Kahn [Kicker] after a dramatic final day in the Bundesliga saw the club lift their 11th straight title.
After Borussia Dortmund left themselves too much to do against Mainz by falling 2-0 down in the first half, Bayern midfielder Jamal Musiala netted a stunning late winner to bring the crown back to Bavaria.
But despite the winning end to a frustrating season, with Thomas Tuchel’s future even being heavily discussed, Bayern have opted to sack key boardroom players Salihamidzic and Kahn.
Rangers fans, eager to see the club activate the £5m option-to-buy negotiated by Ross Wilson for Tillman, have a genuine interest in what happens here with the player’s situation up in the air.
Hasan Salihamidzic out of Malik Tillman picture
Malik Tillman has been clear that he will take his time making a decision over a permanent move to Rangers, with a season-ending injury sending the 20-year-old back to Bayern early.
Rangers reportedly have until early June to negotiate the option-to-buy but, with Salihamidzic out of the picture, the man who initially struck the deal with Rangers has now left the Allianz Arena.
The news might also scupper negotiations for Michael Beale, who revealed ahead of the clash with Hearts last week that a call with the German side regarding Tillman is set for the coming days.
Not that anything is set in stone, with or without Salihamidzic being involved in the deal.
Tillman may want to return to Bayern and fight for his place, while the Germans may wish to run the rule over the midfielder as change sweeps through the club.
Tillman’s Rangers decision imminent
Speaking after picking up the PFA Scotland Players’ Young Player of the Year Award, Tillman hinted a decision was to be made this week.
“I’ve spoken to Michael Beale already and he said, ‘Just take your time. It’s your decision’. That’s what I’m going to do,” Tillman said after picking up his PFA Scotland award.
“The option is until the beginning of June or something so I still have three or four weeks to decide. I’m going to take my time because obviously it’s a big decision for me.
“It is still open. I am going to talk to Michael Beale in the coming days and see what he is saying and what the club is saying. Then I am going to speak to Bayern again and see what their plan is for me. And then I am going to decide.”
Tillman scored 12 goals for Rangers this season, giving Ibrox fans a glimpse into the talent which saw him breakthrough at the Bundesliga giants last season.
Salihamidzic is a former Bosnia international and Bayern star, and he leaves his sporting director post at the club after six years, having taken up the role in 2017.
