BERLIN, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen has announced the signing of U.S. international Malik Tillman from Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven, securing the 23-year-old attacking midfielder on a five-year deal, the Bundesliga outfit confirmed on Saturday.

Born in Nuremberg, Tillman came through Bayern Munich's youth system and arrives for a club record 35 million euros.

"We have signed a technically gifted player who is dangerous in front of goal and who fits our style of football perfectly," said Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Malik brings a new level of dynamism to our attack. This is a top-level signing for us."

Tillman impressed at PSV, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists in 34 games last season, including three goals and two assists in the UEFA Champions League. His performances helped the Dutch club secure its second successive league title.

Following loan spells at Rangers in Scotland and then PSV, Tillman was signed permanently by the Dutch side in the summer of 2024. Although Bayern Munich retained a buy-back clause, the club chose not to activate it, allowing Leverkusen to swoop instead.

Tillman said his return to Germany represented the next major step in his career. "Leverkusen have always played attractive football, but in the past few years they have become a club that ambitious players across Europe are taking seriously," he said. "I have won titles in Glasgow and Eindhoven. I want to win something here too."

Tillman initially represented Germany internationally at youth level, making 21 appearances across various age groups, including four at U-21 level. In 2022, he opted to switch his international allegiance to the United States, his father's homeland. At the 2023 Gold Cup, he helped the U.S. reach the final, where they lost narrowly to Mexico.

Tillman is expected to join pre-season training next week, potentially making his debut in Leverkusen's opening Bundesliga fixture in August. ■