Tillman remains open to Leverkusen exit after calling last season the “worst” of his career
· Yahoo Sports
Malik Tillman has reiterated that he is considering leaving Bayer Leverkusen after a disappointing first season at the club.
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The US international gave a controversial interview last week in which he left his future open and said he felt a lack of support from the club during the 2025/26 campaign and at the World Cup.
Speaking to Sport Bild, Tillman confirmed that he is still considering a summer transfer, but also said he is keen to get to know new Leverkusen head coach Carles Martinez.
“That's still a topic. I’m here because I want to get to know the coach and his plans. I’m observing everything, and the coach will be doing the same. Then we’ll see what happens. The transfer window is still open for a long time," he said.
The 24-year-old also described the 2025/26 season as the “worst” of his career and once again pointed to the difficulties he experienced under former Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand.
“What I’ve shown so far hasn’t been what I’m capable of. Last season was the worst I’ve played in my career. Maybe I never really settled in. Maybe it was down to the coach. But those are the usual excuses. In the end, it was down to me. I didn’t perform to the level I should have. I can’t be satisfied with that. I believe a lot of people are underestimating me at the moment," he said.
Die Werkself paid a significant €35 million fee to sign Tillman from PSV last summer, and the US international is well aware of the expectations that came with that price tag.
“When you cost €35 million, expectations are high. If those expectations aren’t met, the disappointment is significant. I know I can do more. I’ll do everything I can to show people on the pitch what I’m capable of. But there are also other factors that are important and can help make that happen," he said.
Asked to elaborate on these “factors”, Tillman once again emphasised that he felt a lack of support last season.
“After last season, with everything that happened, it isn’t easy," he said, adding:
“It was about the coach’s trust and the backing from the club. Those are things I was missing.”