Thomas Müller to the Vancouver Whitecaps? Deal in place for Bayern legend

28.07.2025 - 02:34 | source: Transfermarkt | Reading Time: 4 mins

Deal in place with Cincy

Thomas Müller to the Vancouver Whitecaps? Deal in place for Bayern legend

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After 25 years as a Bayern Munich player, Thomas Müller is headed for a new adventure. The 35-year-old has set his sights on Major League Soccer as his next destination. On Saturday, Müller posted a video in which he stated that he was "headed across the pond." For a long time, FC Cincinnati, who hold his discovery rights and Bayern’s partner club, Los Angeles FC, have been thought of as the most likely destination of the 2014 World Cup winner. But on Saturday, a new favorite has emerged in the form of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Market Value T. Müller Second Striker € 6.00 m

The main obstacle remains FC Cincinnati, who own Müller’s discovery rights and, according to league sources, are asking for a significant fee north of what the LA Galaxy paid for Marco Reus’ discovery rights to Charlotte last year. The negotiations for Müller’s discovery rights have been described as the biggest obstacle to getting Müller to the MLS. But Transfermarkt understands that there was a breakthrough in talks between the Whitecaps and Cincinnati on Monday. The Whitecaps were initially mentioned as a potential landing spot during the MLS All-Star game on Wednesday. At this point, the topic wasn’t that hot. Müller was offered to the Whitecaps through a league intermediary, but the Vancouver club didn’t think a move was possible. Needs elsewhere are more pressing. The Whitecaps don’t have an open DP spot and need additions for the backline. That seemed to be the end of the story.

Indeed, getting Müller to MLS seemed to be trickier than his camp and the league itself anticipated. Müller was offered to several clubs in the league. One of them was the Philadelphia Union. However, according to a report by the Philadelphia Inquirer, wages were considered a significant obstacle. While wages were considered a primary concern for some clubs, the process of acquiring the discovery rights from Cincinnati has been described as the bigger issue by league sources. It is why LAFC, who were Müller’s preferred destination all along, have targeted Korean winger Heung-Min Son from Tottenham Hotspur. While details remained to be hushed out, the Whitecaps are now on the verge of having a deal in place with FC Cincinnati.

Player Comparison Thomas Müller

Heung-min Son

Bayern Munich Tottenham Hotspur €6.00m Market Value €20.00m

35 Age 33

Second Striker Position Left Winger

Jul 31, 2025 Contract until Jun 30, 2026

Full Player Comparison

Thomas Müller to Vancouver Whitecaps – A complicated path to MLS

How did we get here? With the Union out, LAFC looking at other targets, and Cincinnati not being a preferred destination, sources have told Transfermarkt that the league was worried that Müller could head elsewhere. In recent days, A-League club Sydney FC have approached Müller. That has brought urgency to the situation, with the league discussing internally solutions to make a deal happen. By consulting multiple sources, Transfermarkt understands that Müller would be available on a Targeted Allocation Money deal, similar to the one Rodrigo De Paul recently signed with Inter Miami CF. Officially, the Whitecaps aren't allowed to discuss contract terms with Müller until they have acquired his rights. But it is understood that a deal between the 'Caps and Müller for a TAM deal this year with the prospect of becoming a DP next year won't be an issue.

Stats T. Müller Second Striker Career stats –

All competitions Games 844 Goals 292 Assists 281

As for his role in the squad, Müller would finally fill the void that Stuart Armstrong left at the start of the season. Indeed, the Whitecaps have long sought a transition midfielder and have considered multiple targets in Europe. Müller would now be the big solution but also the biggest star ever to wear a Whitecaps jersey. Although 35, the Raumdeuter is considered one of the football greats. Müller has won the Champions League twice with Bayern and the World Cup with Germany. Whether Müller will end up in Vancouver or MLS all depends on Cincinnati. They hold the discovery rights and the keys to Müller's arrival in the league.

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