Rising USMNT Star Inherits Legendary Leverkusen Jersey Number from Club Icon
United States men's national team midfielder and Concacaf Gold Cup star Malik Tillman completed his move from PSV Eindhoven to Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window in a notable acquisition for the attacking midfielder.
The undefeated 2023–24 Bundesliga title winners are showing significant confidence in the American international under new head coach Erik ten Hag, with the German club demonstrating their faith in Tillman by awarding him the prestigious number 10 jersey—previously donned by current Liverpool star Florian Wirtz.
"I'm aware of who wore the number ten shirt before me. It represents an incredible honor for me. I understand the significance of the number 10 in football and I will dedicate everything to fulfill that responsibility to the best of my ability. However, I'm also confident and certain that I can deliver and demonstrate to everyone here what I'm capable of," Tillman stated in the official announcement.
Tillman aims to fill the gap created by Wirtz's departure, a significant task considering the German's contributions to the team under Xabi Alonso. Wirtz departed the club this summer for Liverpool in a transfer that broke British football's spending record. The German midfielder has made an immediate impact at Anfield as Leverkusen moved to acquire Tillman as his replacement.
Wirtz's former manager also departed with the club naming ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag as the new head coach. The Dutch tactician is showing trust in Tillman to manage the expectations that come with the jersey number in his debut campaign, particularly important given upcoming commitments with the USMNT.
Tillman, who won the Eredivisie title, caught international attention this summer through impressive displays for a weakened USMNT squad during the Gold Cup. Several player absences provided Tillman with regular chances to feature as an attacking midfielder. His showings have positioned him firmly in discussions for a guaranteed starting role for the 2026 World Cup. Supporters and coaching staff will monitor the midfielder closely this season leading up to a World Cup hosted domestically.
Tillman is not the sole player to inherit the No.10 jersey at a major club this summer. Real Madrid recently assigned their 10 shirt to Kylian Mbappé following Luka Modriç's departure when his deal concluded.