Soccer
USMNT star eyes 'dream' Bayern Munich return
The 22-year-old has been on fire this season and looks set to be a key part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The United States is enjoying a golden age of soccer talent, with a number of players earning regular playing time at some of the world’s top clubs. AC Milan and Juventus are both represented in the latest squad, with the vast majority playing in major European leagues.
Among that group is Malik Tillman, the 22-year-old midfield who is impressing with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. Tillman joined PSV on a permanent transfer over the summer after breaking through with German giants Bayern Munich.
However in an interview with German publication Bild, Tillman revealed that a return to Bayern could still be on the cards.
What next for Malik Tillman?
Having enjoyed during a year-long loan last season, Tillman has continued that rich vein of form in 2024/25. He’s started the season with six goals and four assists in 17 appearances for PSV, most of which have come from central midfield.
If he continues that impressive rate of production some of the biggest clubs in world soccer will soon be eyeing his signature. In the Bild interview Tillman revealed that a return to Bayern would be high on his list of priorities.
“I feel a great deal of gratitude towards Bayern. I was able to spend eight years at this great club and learn a lot in my youth. It was also there that I was able to take my first steps in professional football - and have incredible experiences that are still unbelievable to me today.”
He was also asked about speculation that Bayern secured a two-year buy-back option on Tillman, ensuring that they can sign him for $37 million until the summer of 2026.
“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.”
Will Tillman make his way back to Bavaria? The perennial German champions are not short of talent in central areas, with young stars Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise and Aleksandar Pavlović ready-made replacements for the likes of Leon Goretzka. But with the relatively modest buy-back clause he could prove a tempting option for the German giants.