USMNT star eyes ‘dream’ Bayern Munich return

The 22-year-old has been on fire this season and looks set to form a key part of Mauricio Pochettino's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The United States is experiencing a golden age of soccer talent, with a number of players earning regular playing time with some of the best clubs in the world. AC Milan and Juventus are both represented in the latest squad, with the vast majority playing in the major European leagues.

That group also includes Malik Tillman, the 22-year-old midfielder who is impressing at PSV Eindhoven. Tillman made a permanent transfer to PSV last 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's next for Malik Tillman?

After spending a year on loan last season, Tillman has continued that rich form into 2024/2025. He started the season with six goals and four assists in seventeen appearances for PSV, most of which came from central midfield.

If he continues that impressive rate of production, some of the biggest clubs in world football will soon be eyeing his signature. In the Bild interview, Tillman revealed that a return to Bayern would be high on his priority list.

“I feel a lot of gratitude towards Bayern. I spent eight years at this great club and learned a lot during my youth. It was also there that I was able to take my first steps in professional football and gained incredible experiences that are still incredible to me today.”

He was also asked about speculation that Bayern secured a two-year buyout option on Tillman, allowing them to 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 it a secret: a return to Bayern is still a dream and a big goal for me.”

Will Tillman return to Bavaria? The perennial German champions have no shortage of talent in central areas, with young stars Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise and Aleksandar Pavlović as ready-made replacements for Leon Goretzka. But with the relatively modest buyback clause, he could be a tempting option for the German giants.