Malik Tillman had had an impressive debut season for Rangers, it is little wonder Michael Beale wants to keep him around.
The PFA young player of the year winner impressed his peers just as much and a reported £5m summer deal could see the 20-year old return after having his time at Ibrox cut short.
With his season over, thoughts now turn to whether or not he will be back and, after speaking to Sky Sports, Malik Tillman has hinted that Rangers could well be his new home.
The pre-agreed £5m fee is a lot for Rangers to pay with a squad overhaul required and a tight budget.
Michael Beale has confirmed that he wants the USA international around next season and negotiations don’t seem to be hamstrung by the already agreed valuation.
What has Malik Tillman said about a possible return to Rangers?
After picking up his young player of the year award, Tillman told Sky Sports that he is set for talks with the Gers gaffer and that Rangers remain a very real possibility on a permanent deal:
“I had a great time here and it might not be the end so we will see what’s going to happen in the summer, I don’t know.
“It’s 50-50. It’s up to Rangers, up to Bayern, and up to me so it’s completely open.
“I’m going to speak to Michael Beale in the next couple of days and see what he’s saying, see what Bayern are saying, and then I will decide.”
The decision appears to be up to the young midfielder who has chipped in with an impressive ten league goals in his first full season in senior football.
What makes it all the more impressive is that Rangers have been a mess this season and he has frequently had to carry the burden of expectation on his own.
Big performances against Union Saint Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven belittle claims that he can’t handle high pressure occasions.
Detractors might point to poor Old Firm displays but he was starved of decent supply for the most part, his work rate couldn’t be questioned though.
Goalscoring midfielders are hard to find, ones with Tillman’s profile, even harder.
If the decision is down to Malik Tillman, hopefully, Michael Beale is at his persuasive best when the two meet to decide his Rangers future.
