Andoni Iraola intervenes in deal for £43m World Cup standout

Andoni Iraola has already played a significant role in bringing one long-term Liverpool transfer target to Anfield.

Victor Munoz - the 22-year-old Spain attacker - was signed after the outgoing Premier League champions triggered his €40m Osasuna release clause.

And now according to a report in Spain it looks like Iraola is attempting to get a deal for another preferred candidate over the line.

Andoni Iraola wants deal for Malik Tillman

United States FIFA World Cup breakout star Malik Tillman has been the name on everyone’s lips over the last few weeks. His performances at his home tournament have been consistent - building on a top first season in German football at Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool’s new head coach is now ready to orchestrate a move for the goalscoring midfielder - who could end up costing well over €50m if he moves this summer.

Liverpool preparing move for £43m Tillman

“Liverpool are preparing a major move in the transfer market, and the main focus is Malik Tillman,” the report reads.

“His performance, his competitive maturity, and his ability to decide matches have skyrocketed his value, to the point that his transfer fee could exceed €50 million in the coming weeks.

“Liverpool's interest in Malik Tillman has a specific name behind it: Andoni Iraola. The manager believes the American fits perfectly into the type of team he wants to build at Anfield.”

Malik Tillman: Situation summary

Malik Tillman is a 24‑year‑old right-footed USA international attacking midfielder/forward at Bayer Leverkusen, having joined from PSV in summer 2025 and taking the No 10 shirt.

At 1.87m, he offers a tall, rangy profile between the lines, comfortable receiving under pressure and rolling into central or left-sided channels.

On the pitch, Tillman is a goalscoring midfielder who attacks the box from the half-spaces, able to play as a 10, advanced 8 or left-sided forward.

He followed two prolific years at PSV – including a 12-goal, 26-game Eredivisie season – with 29 Bundesliga appearances and 6 league goals in 2025/26, plus 2 goals in 7 Champions League outings for Leverkusen.

He signed a contract to 2030, so Leverkusen view him as a long-term attacking pillar rather than a quick flip.

Any near-term exit would require a Champions League club paying a premium on the fee PSV received, with the more likely trajectory being Tillman growing into a regular starter and double‑figure scorer over the next couple of seasons.