German football icon Thomas Müller is set to join the Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer, according to reporter Fabrizio Romano. Specifics of the deal remain undisclosed.
Earlier, Tom Bogert from Givemesport linked the 35-year-old to Vancouver, noting that the Whitecaps have reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Müller’s "discovery rights" from FC Cincinnati.
Cincinnati will receive $400,000 in allocation money for relinquishing those rights, allowing Vancouver to engage in negotiations with Müller. Although Cincinnati had expressed interest in signing Müller at the start of the summer, the deal fell through due to the unavailability of a designated player spot. Since Müller is not deemed a DP, Cincinnati could only extend a sub-$2 million offer, which he rejected.
While Müller isn’t a designated player upon joining Vancouver, he is expected to be one in the next season.
This move marks a significant transition for Müller, who dedicated 25 years to Bayern Munich, where he joined in 2000. He spent the initial seven years of his youth at the club and then played for the second team from 2007 to 2009 before joining the first team and helping win 12 Bundesliga titles.
Upon his departure, Müller released a statement reflecting on his time at Bayern, emphasizing that he is not retiring.
"It’s a unique day for me," Müller said. "My 25 years with FC Bayern Munich will conclude this summer. It has been an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable moments and victories."
He expressed deep gratitude for his career at Bayern and affirmed the special bond with the club’s fans, stating his intention to reclaim the league title in the upcoming weeks, aiming for the ultimate glory.
During his time at Bayern, Müller won domestic titles, two Champions League trophies, and two Club World Cups. He also lifted the UEFA Euros in 2012 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014 with Germany.
Over his total of 756 appearances for Bayern, Müller scored 250 goals and provided 276 assists. For the German national team, he netted 45 goals and won the Golden Boot at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Müller will join the Whitecaps, who currently rank second in the Western Conference with a record of 13 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses.
Fan Take: This signing could be a game-changer for the MLS, as a player of Müller’s caliber not only raises the competitive level but also draws global attention to the league. Soccer fans should be excited about how his experience and talent can inspire both teammates and young players in North America.
