Fulham eye summer move for Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tillman
Fulham are considering a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, according to a report from the Daily Mail. The Premier League club is said to be monitoring the US international as a potential transfer target ahead of the next window, with an eye on acting before his participation in the 2026 World Cup could impact his valuation.
Interest from west London emerges amid uncertainty over the future of current Fulham winger Harry Wilson. Wilson’s contract situation at Craven Cottage remains unresolved, and he has attracted attention from several Premier League rivals including Everton, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace. This has prompted the club’s recruitment team to identify potential successors, with Tillman viewed as a viable option.
Leverkusen secured Tillman’s services from PSV Eindhoven just last summer in a deal worth a reported €35 million, signing him to a long-term contract that runs until 2030. Since his arrival in Germany, the 23-year-old has made 36 appearances across all competitions, contributing eight goals and one assist. His performances have helped Xabi Alonso’s side maintain a competitive edge domestically and in Europe.
Despite his contributions, Tillman has not been an automatic starter in a fiercely competitive Leverkusen squad under manager Alonso. The increased depth following the club’s recent successes has limited his guaranteed minutes, a factor that could make the prospect of a move to a club where he might feature more regularly more appealing to the player. This dynamic is understood to be a consideration for Fulham as they weigh up their approach.
For Fulham, a move for Tillman would represent a significant investment in a young, technically gifted player who can operate across the attacking midfield line. His profile fits the club’s recent strategy of recruiting promising talent with resale potential. For Leverkusen, any sale would likely require a fee exceeding their initial investment to justify parting with a player on a long-term deal so soon after his arrival, setting the stage for a complex negotiation.
The potential transfer hinges on several factors, including Wilson’s final decision on his future and Fulham’s willingness to meet Leverkusen’s valuation. Should the move materialize, it would signal Fulham’s intent to build a squad capable of consolidating their Premier League status with younger assets, while offering Tillman a prominent platform in English football ahead of a crucial World Cup cycle for the United States.
