Bayer Leverkusen’s Acquisition of Malik Tillman
Bayer Leverkusen made headlines last weekend with the acquisition of American midfielder Malik Tillman, marking him as a significant addition to their revamped attacking lineup. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form, netting 24 goals and providing 15 assists in 68 matches across all competitions during his tenure at PSV Eindhoven. His performance for the United States men’s national team showcased his talent, as he tallied three goals and three assists in eight outings this summer, including the Gold Cup. As the club’s record signing, Tillman is expected to be a key player as Leverkusen aims to re-establish itself in the Bundesliga.
World Cup 2026 and Tillman’s Role
As he gears up for the 2026 World Cup, Tillman’s role in U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation could see him as the leading candidate for the central attacking midfield position, especially if he maintains a strong presence in the Champions League. With an influx of talent and established players, competition for roster spots will be fierce as the national team prepares for next summer’s tournament.
Contenders for the U.S. Men’s National Team
There are many contenders vying for positions on the U.S. men’s national team for World Cup 2026, each potentially benefiting from club changes in the upcoming weeks. Here’s a look at several of them:
Tim Weah – Current Team: Juventus
Tim Weah, 25, played a pivotal role in the U.S. squad during the 2022 World Cup, scoring the first goal against Wales. Struggling with a hamstring injury last season, he had limited opportunities at Juventus, where he shuttled between different positions without finding a consistent fit. After rejecting a transfer to Nottingham Forest, Weah is in negotiations with Marseille, where his versatility could be a valuable asset in the rotation.
Gio Reyna – Current Team: Borussia Dortmund
At just 22, Gio Reyna has had a career riddled with injuries, limiting his playtime to just over 1,200 minutes in the past two years. His promise is still evident with 19 goals and 14 assists before age 23. With Dortmund, Reyna needs consistent playtime in a defined role to flourish, and a potential switch to Borussia Monchengladbach operating in a 4-2-3-1 setup could provide that opportunity.
Yunus Musah – Current Team: AC Milan
Another young American talent, Musah, has showcased his skills at AC Milan but has struggled to find a defined position. His dribbling and defensive capabilities could see him thrive in right wing back or defensive midfield roles. While he is exploring options with possible moves to Nottingham Forest and Napoli, staying in Milan might not be detrimental either.
Diego Luna – Current Team: Real Salt Lake
The 21-year-old Luna has strongly positioned himself for national team consideration, excelling with notable statistics in MLS and international play. With mounting speculation linking him to European clubs like Celta Vigo, staying in Salt Lake could also benefit him, as he continues to develop his game.
Ricardo Pepi – Current Team: PSV Eindhoven
Pepi offers an intriguing case after a tumultuous start to his career, producing notable goal-scoring under favorable conditions at PSV. Following his recent injury, settling back into a contributing role at the club might serve him well as he redevelops his form ahead of the World Cup.
Patrick Agyemang – Current Team: Charlotte FC
Agyemang has shown promise with his physical presence, yet his lack of ball touches limits his effectiveness as a forward. On the verge of a possible move to Derby County, he runs the risk of losing momentum in his national team prospects as the English Championship will present its own challenges.
Gianluca Busio – Current Team: Venezia
Playing as a defensive midfielder at Venezia, Busio has made a name for himself with consistent performances across various metrics. Rumored to be on the radar of mid-tier clubs, his durability and expansive skill set keep him in contention for future national team selections.
Michael Freeman – Current Team: Orlando City
At only 20, Freeman has already made a mark at Orlando City, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Although there are rumors of a potential move, allowing him to solidify his position as a starter might be the most strategic choice.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, players in the U.S. men’s national team will undoubtedly be considering how club changes could enhance their chances of securing a spot on the roster, and it’s likely that transfer activity will ramp up in the coming months, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
