By Martin Graham
Former Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller has completed a move to Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps, committing to the club for the rest of the 2025 campaign.
The 35-year-old parted ways with the German champions following the expiration of his contract, ending a 25-year chapter at the club he first joined as a youth player in 2000. His time with Bayern included two Champions League triumphs and 13 Bundesliga trophies.
The Whitecaps secured the veteran forward’s services by obtaining his MLS discovery rights from FC Cincinnati. The deal involved $200,000 in 2025 general allocation funds, $100,000 in 2026 GAM, plus a potential $100,000 in conditional 2026 GAM.
Muller’s arrival remains subject to international clearance, including the receipt of his transfer certificate, visa, and employment documentation.
Looking ahead to the MLS playoffs
Vancouver holds the option to register Muller as a designated player for the 2026 season. This category allows MLS teams to sign up to three players whose salaries exceed the league’s wage cap restrictions.
“I’m excited to join Vancouver and contribute to the team’s championship push,” said Muller. “I’ve heard fantastic things about the club and the city. But most of all, I’m here to compete and achieve results.”
He also mentioned discussions with the team’s sporting director, Axel Schuster, and coach, Jesper Sorensen, as instrumental in his decision.
Internationally, Muller represented Germany 131 times, netting 45 goals. His national career highlights include winning the 2014 World Cup and claiming the Golden Boot at the 2010 tournament.
Currently, the Whitecaps sit in second place in the Western Conference standings, trailing leaders San Diego by a single point with 10 regular-season fixtures still to be played.
