Wanted Malik Tillman could be facing potential limbo over a permanent transfer to Rangers after Bayern Munich axed sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.
The playmaker impressed in his loan campaign at Ibrox, despite injury bringing it to a premature end. He scooped both the club and PFA Young Player of the Year awards and rumours have been rife the club have made their move to get a permanent deal over the line.
Rangers boss Michael Beale stated before the final weekend of the Scottish Premiership that the Light Blues would hold a conversation with Bayern after the final weekend of Bundesliga action over whether or not he will remain in blue going into next season. However, since then the club has been plunged into a crisis with the club's sporting director being axed despite claiming the league title.
The club's chief transfer negotiator and CEO Oliver Kahn were given the boot by Bayern despite winning the league title on a dramatic final day of the campaign. Salihamidzic has previously been a key cheerleader of Tillman's - having offered the US international his first pro-contract as well as having the final say on his shot at moving to Rangers.
Speaking after handing Tillman a deal with the German giants, Salihamidzic said: "I'm very pleased with the development of Malik Tillman. He came to us as young talents and are fine examples of our youth development. He has got all the ingredients to go all the way. He’s a lot more to come from him.”
With his contract at Bayern set to expire in 2024, the 21-year-old would have been looking to assess his chances of first-team football when he returns to Thomas Tuchel's side. However, talks of the forward's future will be on the backburner with the club in turmoil.
And while Rangers will be keen to bring the £5m-rated star back to Ibrox this summer the clock could be against them with Tillman's ally Salihamidzic unceremoniously dumped. Tillman has previously revealed that the timeline was set for June to agree a deal.
Speaking after being named PFA Scotland's Young Player of the Year, he said: “I’ve spoken to Michael Beale already and he said, ‘Just take your time. It’s your decision’. That’s what I’m going to do, The option is until the beginning of June or something so I still have three or four weeks to decide. I’m going to take my time because obviously it’s a big decision for me.
“It is still open. I am going to talk to Michael Beale in the coming days and see what he is saying and what the club is saying. Then I am going to speak to Bayern again and see what their plan is for me. And then I am going to decide.”
So will Tillman be a Rangers player next season? It could all depend on how quickly Salihamidzic is replaced - and what his successor's vision for the prospect is next term.
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