Tillman Wirtz split 2025Getty/GOAL

USMNT star Malik Tillman takes on Florian Wirtz's iconic shirt number at Bayer Leverkusen

  • Wirtz left Leverkusen for Liverpool
  • Tillman brought in to replace midfielder
  • Handed No.10 shirt by Ten Hag
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Leverkusen have had some major rebuilding to do this summer after losing Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and head coach Xabi Alonso, and they have put their faith in former PSV midfielder Tillman to take on the former's role under Erik ten Hag.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The No.10 shirt is symbolic in the game of football and bears a lot of responsibility. That heavy burden will fall onto the shoulders of the USMNT youngster as Leverkusen look to continue on their upwards trajectory, having finished as runners-up behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last term.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Tillman came through the Bayern academy but spent time out on loan at several clubs, including Rangers. Last season for PSV, he bagged 21 goal contributions across all competitions on the way to winning the Eredivisie title.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR TILLMAN?

    Having recently returned from Gold Cup duties with the USMNT, Tillman is hoping to hit the ground running at Leverkusen after his move and fans will be behind him all the way, with the club even offering free printing of his name and number for the next few days, in a similar move to Arsenal for striker signing Viktor Gyokeres.