Christian Nerlinger has urged Rangers to sign Malik Tillman in a permanent transfer after his loan from Bayern Munich. He is confident the midfielder’s value could soon increase ‘a lot’.
The Ibrox natives have benefitted greatly from Tillman’s time in Glasgow so far. The 20-year-old has recorded nine goals and five assists after 36 appearances across all competitions. He has also started in 30 fixtures for a cumulative 2,474 minutes ahead of the League Cup final.
Tillman has further offered five of his goals, plus two assists, through 10 appearances under Michael Beale. But the four-cap USA maestro missed Saturday’s 3-0 win at Livingston due to a hamstring injury. He is now a doubt to feature at Hampden Park come the final on Sunday.
Beale has already looked to the future with Tillman, as well, having noted earlier this month that it will be a ‘no-brainer’ to buy him, via the Daily Record. Rangers secured a £5m option for the American in the terms of Tillman’s loan transfer from Bayern Munich, per The Times.
The Nurnberg, Germany-born maestro would have a say on securing a permanent switch to Ibrox. While Christian Falk reports Der FCB are ready to let their academy product seal a full-time move. Tillman joined Bayern Munich in 2015 and has played in seven first-team games.
Nerlinger backs Tillman to prove value for money with a transfer to Rangers
Falk adds that Rangers are yet to indicate to Bayern Munich their desire to seal a permanent transfer for Tillman. The playmaker is only under contract at the Allianz Arena to June 2024. But Nerlinger is confident that at £5m, the FCB talent would still prove to be a bargain deal.
“I understand why Rangers are so keen to sign him for that money,” Nerlinger has told The Scottish Sun. “If I was at the club, I would be trying to do it as well.
“This is a player who could be worth a lot more than £5m in the very near future. Tillman’s goals and assists are so important. For me, that is what makes an attacking midfielder so valuable. His stats are impressive and there can be no argument against his contribution.
“Yes, every team needs midfielders who can run, press and pass the ball well. But the top-level players in that area provide goals and assists and Tillman has. He provides big moments in games because he has a great attacking instinct when he gets into the key areas.”
Only Borna Barisic (10), Ryan Kent (8), Fashion Sakala and Alfredo Morelos (6) have offered Rangers more assists so far this season than Tillman (5) across all competitions. While only Antonio Colak (15) and James Tavernier (12) have also offered the Gers more goals (9), too.
