SERGEI warns: Tillman's costly mistake could end in winter
When Bayer 04 Leverkusen completed the signing of Malik Tillman in the summer of 2025, the hope was to find a great successor to Wirtz and to compensate for the departure of the star player to FC Liverpool. Instead, the 24‑year‑old former Bayern Munich jewel has so far not delivered the expected performance, which now leads to speculation about a possible winter exit.
Expensive signing, modest record
The Werkself paid €35 million for Tillman, but after 49 games for Leverkusen only nine goals and two assists are in his statistics – a result that hardly justifies the price. The former PSV‑Eindhoven striker had recorded an impressive 44 goal involvements in 73 competitive matches there before moving to Nürnberg.
In addition, Tillman has already earned 39 caps for the USA, underscoring his international experience, but he has so far lacked the ease that stood out at his previous club.
Lack of form and growing dissatisfaction
Although he was able to shine with a goal on Thursday evening in the Europa League victory over Lech Poznan, his overall form at Bayer 04 remains unsatisfactory. The hopes that he would develop on his own in Leverkusen appear to have faded.
Hoeness claims Wirtz would have performed better at Bayern Munich
Both parties are dissatisfied: Tillman does not seem to be playing in his usual style, while the management can no longer share the high expectations.
Winter departure in sight
According to Sky Sport, the split between the Werkself and Tillman could already take place this coming winter, even though his contract runs until 2030. The player is said to be open to a loan escape, and Bayer is ready to help him with a change of scenery.
This raises the question of which potential buyer will show interest in the winter and where the 24‑year‑old creative player will eventually move.
SERGEI reports that discussions about a possible offloading of the player were already held last summer – now the issue could become truly serious in the winter.