Mansion Sport - Canadian Major League Soccer (MLS) club Vancouver Whitecaps FC has reportedly initiated preliminary discussions regarding the potential signing of Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller.

This development positions the Whitecaps as one of the emerging contenders in the race to secure the services of the experienced German forward.

According to journalist Manuel Veth of TransferMarkt, no agreement has yet been reached between the two parties. 

However, Vancouver has begun to explore avenues for facilitating the transfer, including the potential acquisition of Müller’s MLS Discovery Rights from FC Cincinnati—a necessary procedural step before formal negotiations can proceed.

Müller Expresses Desire to Play Abroad

In a recent interview with Sky Sports Germany, Thomas Müller stated that he still has a "strong desire to play football." 

The 35-year-old veteran, who has made 756 appearances for Bayern Munich, also suggested that a move to MLS could represent the next chapter in his storied career.

“Playing abroad would be a new experience for me—something I look forward to and feel genuinely curious about,” Müller said. 

“MLS is certainly an exciting league, especially with the World Cup set to be held in the United States next year.”

Also Read: “Thomas Müller Poised for MLS Move Following Bayern Munich Departure”

Previous MLS Suitors Failed to Secure Müller

Several MLS clubs have previously been linked with Müller, though none have successfully secured his signature. FC Cincinnati was once viewed as a strong candidate but reportedly had their offer rejected by Müller earlier this summer. 

Meanwhile, the business relationship between Bayern Munich and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) had sparked speculation of a possible move to California. However, LAFC now appears to be focused on pursuing Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min.

Philadelphia Union was also rumored to be in the running, but their sporting director Ernst Tanner publicly stated that Müller’s salary expectations were considered excessive and incompatible with the club’s more conservative approach to roster building.

German Connections Within Whitecaps Management Offer a Strategic Edge

Although talks remain in the exploratory phase, Vancouver Whitecaps may benefit from their organizational ties to German football. Club CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster has a deep-rooted background in the Bundesliga. 

Prior to his role in Vancouver, Schuster served as Director of Football at FC Schalke 04 for three years, during which time he played a key role in guiding the club to appearances in both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.

Nonetheless, Schuster has been quick to downplay the speculation surrounding Müller. Speaking on the Sekeres and Price podcast, he clarified that the current squad composition does not allow for the addition of a Designated Player (DP).

DP Status Presents a Major Obstacle to Signing Müller

“Our situation is quite clear—everyone knows we don’t have a DP slot available, and we cannot open one because we are using a roster model that includes [2 DPs and 4 U22 Initiative players], and that setup cannot be altered midseason,” Schuster explained.

He further emphasized that the club’s current focus is on reinforcing its defensive line, especially in light of serious injuries to two key players. 

“There’s nothing more to say. As a German, of course I wouldn’t speak ill of Thomas Müller. It would be wonderful if it were to happen, but we operate within the constraints of our reality.”

A Path Forward if Whitecaps Adjust Their Roster

Despite the apparent difficulties, a path for Müller’s arrival in Vancouver may still exist. The club could potentially acquire his Discovery Rights from FC Cincinnati and open up a Designated Player slot by placing injured team captain Ryan Gauld on the season-ending injury list.

At present, Vancouver Whitecaps sit in second place in the MLS Western Conference standings after 21 matches. The club also recently transferred midfielder Pedro Vite to Mexican side Pumas UNAM.

Should all administrative and logistical barriers be overcome, Thomas Müller could become the first high-profile European star to don a Whitecaps jersey since the club joined MLS in 2011.