This already feels like a debate destined to run and run. Malik Tillman; should he stay or should he go? Or, perhaps more pertinently, should Rangers trigger the option-to-buy clause in his contract, or look for a more affordable alternative?
Tillman divides opinion like few others at Ibrox. Since arriving on loan from Bayern Munich last summer, the USA international has sprinkled his fair share of stardust over Rangers’ season; those crucial European contributions against Union Saint Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven, that Maradona-lite solo goal against Motherwell, those dancing feet in last weeks’ 3-2 triumph over Hibernian.
There remain concerns over his work rate and defensive diligence, however, with former Scotland international Charlie Nicholas one of those who argues that Tillman, while undeniably talented, feels a little on the expensive side at £6 million.
That is the fee Rangers would have to pay to turn his loan deal into a permanent transfer. A fee that threatens to make him the club’s second-biggest acquisition since their return to the top-flight, after only Ryan Kent.
“I would (sign him) up to a certain amount,” argues Nicholas (The Express). “If we are talking about £6 or £7 million, then I don’t see the value in it.”
Rangers could bring Ahmed Kendouci to Ibrox amid doubts over Malik Tillman’s future
If it’s ‘value’ you’re after, then look no further than Ahmed Kendouci. Reportedly valued at around £1 million when he was first linked nearly 12 months ago, Football Scotland believe there is a confidence at Ibrox that the Algeria international could arrive in January. Potentially on an initial loan-to-buy deal.
A stylish and unpredictable attacking midfielder, Kendouci shares many of the attributes that have made Tillman such a key figure in Rangers blue. The ability to drift into pockets of space, using his quick feet to skip through tackles and create goalscoring opportunities. In 11 games, Kendouci has eight goals already this season for ES Setif, with some labelling him ‘the best player’ in Algeria’s top flight.
“His creative passing figures are out of this world,” stats website Total Football Analysis explain of Kendouci. “He has a top passing quality to get the ball into dangerous positions and a great view of the pitch. His great delivery from set pieces also contributes to these figures.
“Kendouci has the technical quality to manipulate the ball in tight spaces and escape pressure. He’s also very creative with his first touch. (He) can leave players behind with unexpected flicks, and carries the ball forward at a very good speed.
“But apart from creating chances, Kendouci also stands out as a finisher himself. He gets into the box a lot and poses a big goal threat.”
Sound familiar, Rangers fans? It should.
Head coach Mick Beale is making no secret of his desire to keep Tillman at Ibrox; comparing the Bayern-raised playmaker to German legend Michael Ballack reently (Daily Record). Failing that, however, Kendouci has the makings of a potentially excellent alternative.
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