'Bayern Munich return still a dream' - USMNT star Malik Tillman wants Bundesliga transfer

Malik Tillman is thriving in the Eredivisie with PSV, but is still dreaming of a comeback to Bayern Munich. Tillman was snapped up by Bayern from Greuther Furth in 2015 and made seven appearances for the first team in the 2021-22 season.

Tillman spent three seasons with the Bayern Munich II team between 2019 and 2022 while making sporadic appearances for the first team in the 2021-22 season.

After failing to break into the first team, Bayern loaned the USMNT star to Scottish side Rangers in the 2022-23 season, where he scored 13 goals in 42 appearances and finished runners-up in the League Cup.

PSV acquired him on loan for the 2023-24 season, with Tillman playing a crucial role in firing the Eindhoven side to the Eredivisie title. In the summer, PSV signed him permanently for €12 million.

When asked about his transfer to PSV earlier this year, Tillman stated that he had no say in it. "I just wanted to tell you how the transfer went in the final instance. And that was all between the clubs - without me being asked about my feelings or wishes," Tillman told Bild.

"That was the only thing that surprised me. But I'm not complaining at all, quite the opposite. Because I knew the contract I had signed and knew what could happen. Of course I would have been happy if Bayern had brought me back, we're talking about an absolute world club here. But I'm also very happy with the transfer to Eindhoven. Here I have a very good, familiar environment that supports and encourages me 100 percent so that I can continue to grow."

Bayern Munich are still in some control over Tillman's future, with a €35 million buy-back clause until 2026. The attacking midfielder is still dreaming of a return to Bundesliga: "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."

Tillman has been gaining more and more prominence in the USMNT and featured in the team's 1-0 win over Jamaica in the first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final last weekend. At club level, PSV will be hosting Groningen on Saturday, November 23.