The winter transfer window is the ideal time for clubs to assess the situation of players that are out on loan. Bayern Munich is likely to review the first half of the season for all their loanees before deciding their approach for each player in the second half of the season. Previously, Die Roten recalled players in January if they are struggling for playing time and eventually arrange another loan move for the second half of the season.
Malik Tillman is likely to be one of the Bayern players that will continue to play for one club throughout the season. The 20-year-old forward continues to enjoy a good run of form at Rangers, as he was once again on the scoresheet for Rangers on Wednesday.
The goal against Motherwell was Tillman’s fourth goal in the Scottish League. He also has four assists to his name in the league. Overall, the goal on Wednesday took Tillman’s goal contributions tally to ten. It is a significant output from the 20-year-old forward since this is his first proper season at the senior level.
Earlier this month, Rangers head coach Michael Beale told BBC that he would like Rangers to sign Tillman permanently from Bayern. Beale recently became the head coach of Rangers, but he has been thoroughly impressed by Malik Tillman after a few training sessions.
"“I really like Malik. He is a fantastic talent. He wants to play slightly higher. We’re going to give him the freedom to run out of that midfield and get into the positions he was in today.“You can see what he could grow into to. He’s the exact type of player that we want at this football club. I don’t know the exact fee, I don’t know where we’re going to go and get it from, but if we can do it, I would definitely sign Malik Tillman, yes.”"
Rangers do have the option to buy included in the loan deal for Tillman. The Scottish club is expected to exercise this clause, but it remains to be seen what fee Die Roten will get to make this move permanent in the next summer transfer window.
Malik Tillman is unlikely to play regularly at Bayern since several players are competing for the number ten/second forward role in the first team. The US international will be better served by staying at Rangers. At the age of 20, he needs consistent playing time at the senior level. Rangers can offer him a place in the starting XI if he continues to take positive steps in his development.
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Meanwhile, Bayern should try to secure a buy-back clause in this deal. The Bavarian club will be able to buy him back if he continues to get better at the Scottish club. Nevertheless, there is still time for Rangers to exercise this clause, and a final decision may come before the end of the season. For now, Bayern will closely monitor Tillman’s development at Rangers during the second half of the season before agreeing with a final transfer fee for him.