Vancouver Whitecaps Close to Landing Bayern Munich Legend Thomas Muller in Blockbuster Move

The Vancouver Whitecaps are close to finalizing a contract with ex-Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller following a preliminary agreement regarding the player's discovery rights, according to confirmed reports.

Based on Transfermarkt sources, a significant development occurred Monday between the Canadian MLS franchise and FC Cincinnati, who possessed Müller's discovery rights. GIVEMESPORT reports that the arrangement involves Cincinnati receiving approximately $400,000 in GAM (General Allocated Money) as part of the transaction.

Salary negotiations appeared to be a stumbling block in discussions with various clubs, along with Cincinnati's lack of available Designated Player slots in their attempt to secure the German international.

Müller will not hold DP status this campaign, but is anticipated to receive that designation in 2026 with Vancouver Whitecaps.

Upon official confirmation, Müller would represent the second prominent German midfielder to transition to MLS recently. Marco Reus moved to LA Galaxy last campaign, contributing to Greg Vanney's squad's MLS Cup championship. Müller appears positioned to deliver similar influence for a Whitecaps roster that sits one point behind the Western Conference leaders and five points away from the Supporters' Shield competition, the honor awarded to MLS's regular season champion.

Vancouver memorably eliminated Inter Miami during this season's Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Jesper Sørensen's team ultimately fell in the championship match to Liga MX's Cruz Azul.

Müller suggested after his Bayern Munich contract expired that he would be pursuing opportunities abroad for his next career chapter. The 35-year-old veteran completed his final match for the Bavarian club in the FIFA Club World Cup, suffering defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinal round. The German legend leaves having captured 13 Bundesliga championships and two Champions League titles. He recorded 756 matches for the organization, netting 250 goals while contributing 276 assists.

LAFC reportedly showed interest in Müller but have shifted focus toward Tottenham standout Son Heung-min.