USMNT star Malik Tillman has joined Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal from Ajax. Tillman, who started his journey in Bayern Munich's academy and spent nine years at the club, has returned to Germany after spending just one season at Ajax. New Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag decided to go after the American midfielder after losing Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.

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Tillman joins Leverkusen on a five-year dealReturns to Germany after just one seasonTen Hag seeking Wirtz's replacementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Tillman formally put pen to paper on his Leverkusen's contract on Saturday. In an official announcement, the German side confirmed the player's arrival, which read: "Malik Tillman joins from PSV on a deal until 2030! Welcome to the Werkself, Malik!"

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Tillman became Leverkusen's second attacking signing after they confirmed the arrival of Cameroonian forward Christian Kofane from Albacete. New boss Erik ten Hag is looking for options to replace talismanic attacking midfielder Wirtz, who joined English champions Liverpool in a record-breaking transfer earlier in the summer.

WHAT TILLMAN SAID

After signing the Leverkusen contract, Tillman sent a message to the club fans as he said: "Just signed the contract. I'm gonna enjoy a couple more days of holidays and then I'm excited to see you in the BayArena."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

Ten Hag's side are scheduled to travel to Brazil next week for their pre-season and will play their first friendly match against a Flamengo Under-20 side on July 18.