Malik Tillman says he remains open to leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer after describing his first campaign at the club as the “worst” season of his career.
The United States international joined Leverkusen from PSV before the 2025-26 season in a reported €35m deal, but found it difficult to establish himself under former manager Kasper Hjulmand.
Tillman scored eight goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, but did not provide an assist as Leverkusen finished sixth in the Bundesliga and missed out on qualification for the Champions League.
Hjulmand was subsequently replaced by Carles Martinez, and Tillman, who had previously said he would have left had Hjulmand remained in charge, is now prepared to assess the situation under the new manager.
Asked by Sport Bild whether a transfer was still a possibility, Tillman said: “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.
“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.
“After last season, with everything that happened, it isn’t easy. It was about the coach’s trust and the backing from the club. Those are things I was missing.”
Tillman has made two appearances for Leverkusen during pre-season so far. He came on as a substitute against Sevilla before being named in the starting line-up for the meeting with Nottingham Forest.
His comments leave his future unresolved as he waits to see how he fits into Martinez’s plans. The transfer window remains open, giving Leverkusen and the player further time to decide whether he will remain at the club or move on after one season.
Leverkusen begin their competitive campaign against Wehen in the DFB-Pokal on 22 August. Their Bundesliga season starts a week later with a match against Elversberg.
