Chelsea chasing transfer of USMNT talent despite disciplinary issues
Chelsea is said to be interested in Malik Tillman after another excellent season with Dutch side PSV - although the 22-year-old's Eredivisie season has hit a hurdle
After a stellar season in the Eredivisie with PSV, Malik Tillman is being targeted by Premier League side Chelsea.
Unfortunately for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) star, this news came just a day before he was dropped from the starting lineup by PSV head coach Peter Bosz for a disciplinary issue. In other news, the 2025 NFL Draft takes place on Thursday - Mirror U.S. Sports has ranked the top 200 players involved in the draft.
Tillman, 22, joined the Dutch side on a four-year deal in July for €12 million, following an impressive season-long loan in Eindhoven from German team Bayern Munich. A key cog at the heart of Bosz’s attacking lineup, Tillman has scored 13 goals and provided a further four assists in 29 games this season, with two goals having come after his recent lengthy injury layoff.
His impressive form has seemingly caught the eye of the Blues, with Enzo Maresca’s side having inquired about the necessary conditions for a possible deal, as per Simon Phillips’ Substack.
However, one potential stumbling block facing Chelsea is that Tillman’s sale in 2024 included a buyback clause for Bayern, and the youngster has made no secret of his desire to return to his boyhood club in the future.
“It is my dream to return to Bayern in the future, although I know they already have great players,” Tillman previously told the Eindhovens Dagblad. “I grew up in Bavaria, my mother lives there, and quite a few people who have followed me for years. Many know some things by now regarding my contract at PSV.”
What’s more, in a recent interview, Tillman said he was certain that he’d be remaining with the Dutch side for the time being. “I feel comfortable here. I know the city now, I know the people here. The club gives me confidence and supports me,” he told ESPN NL.
Tillman also added that he rarely thinks about his future, stating: “I still have a contract here, and I leave it to my agent [from there].”
With the Eredivisie season coming to a close and the summer transfer window rapidly approaching, fans won’t have to wait long to find out whether or not Tillman’s immediate future lies outside of Philips Stadion. But for the time being, he’ll be more focused on trying to work his way back into the starting lineup.
A regular starter for Bosz, Tillman was dropped for PSV’s Thursday clash with FC Twente after he turned up late for a team activity, as per ED. Discussing the decision, Bosz said, via Rik Elfrink: “What applies to Ismael Saibari also applies to Malik” - in reference to his decision to drop the Moroccan in the UEFA Champions League against Arsenal whilst also handing him a fine for a similar issue.
Tillman’s next opportunity to return to the starting lineup will be on May 3 when PSV hosts Fortuna Sittard, with a trip to Feyenoord on the books eight days later.