Malik Tillman could join USMNT teammate with January transfer growing likely

Even in the middle of October, there are already rumors about the January transfer window. One of the latest rumors involves USMNT and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Malik Tillman. Fresh off an impressive international window in which Tillman continued to cement his place as a core part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans, there are reports that a January move away from Leverkusen looks likely.

The latest rumors have linked Tillman with Premier League clubs Brighton, Fulham, and Bournemouth. Needless to say, two of those clubs already have an American in the squad, with Antonee Robinson at Fulham and new captain Tyler Adams at Bournemouth. That makes it increasingly likely that Tillman will join a USMNT teammate in January.

What's wrong with Tillman at Leverkusen

For whatever reason, it has not worked out for Tillman in Germany. The German-born American joined Leverkusen in the summer of 2025, a risky move one year before the World Cup. He gave a decent account of himself last season. However, the club expected him to fill the void left by Florian Wirtz, which was always going to be an impossible task. Tillman had six goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances last season. It was a solid Bundesliga debut, but perhaps not up to Leverkusen's expectations.

There was talk of a summer transfer, with Brighton reportedly making a significant bid. But Tillman decided to stay at Leverkusen, getting a fresh start with new manager Carles Martinez Novell. However, things haven't clicked thus far. He started Leverkusen's first four Bundesliga matches, recording one assist, but his performances didn't stand out. Tillman now appears to have lost his starting spot.

USMNT performances are night and day

The odd thing about Tillman is that his performances during the international break were nothing like his club form early in the season. He started three of the four games for Pochettino, scoring two goals and being one of the USMNT's best players during the window.

The differences between his form for club and country indicate that the problem is the club, not Tillman. Pochettino has no problem getting the most out of him. Yet, two different managers at Leverkusen haven't done the same. That trend indicates that a change of scenery at club level could be in Tillman's best interest, even a midseason move in January.

Will the Premier League be a good fit for Tillman?

January transfers are always risky. It's not easy to be integrated into a new club in the middle of a season. But in Tillman's case, a January move to one of the three Premier League clubs he's currently linked with could be the right move. He's good technically, provides a physical presence in the midfield, and is capable of covering a lot of ground with a high work ethic. These are all traits that should play well in the Premier League. The free-kick prowess Tillman has displayed with the USMNT doesn't hurt either.

The fact that Tillman could potentially join Robinson at Fulham or Adams at Bournemouth is an added bonus. Integrating midseason at Brighton would be difficult, especially as the Seagulls currently sit third in the Premier League table. But both Fulham and Bournemouth are off to poor starts and could use the help. Joining either club and immediately teaming up with another American would be a slam-dunk for Tillman and the USMNT fanbase.

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