- Twellman recognizes Vancouver’s stylistically impressive 2025 campaign
- Analyst notes timing follows club’s first major player sale
- Questions Muller’s fit with team’s current playing style
The Vancouver Whitecaps have secured the signature of Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller, the first true marquee name signing in club history. He arrives during what former USMNT star Taylor Twellman describes as their most stylistically impressive season in years. Despite the commercial appeal, Twellman remains unconvinced about Muller’s on-field compatibility with Vancouver’s current tactical setup.
“Yeah, it’s interesting Vancouver’s arguably had, stylistically, their best season in a long time,” Twellman told MLS. “The joy watching them play, it comes after, in the offseason, when they announced their clubs for sale, right? So, this is interesting to me because now you go out in really get a name that you haven’t really done, that hasn’t been part of your pedigree as a franchise in Major League Soccer.”
Despite Muller’s obvious appeal, Twellman is worried about the turf situation at BC Place and the German fitting into manager Jesper Sørensen’s system.
“It is also interesting on the same day, LAFC, who is rumoured to get Thomas Muller says no, we’re gonna go a different route and go out and get Son, and so that’s where it’s interesting. I’m not 100 percent sold that Thomas Muller hits it in Vancouver because of the way they play right now. Because Thomas Muller has privately, behind the scenes, asked real questions about playing on turf, and yet, his pedigree speaks for itself.
“The sixth World Cup-winning player to come since Lionel Messi signed to Major League Soccer. That’s remarkable to hear about in what, two and a half to three years, but I just think on the field, I will raise my hand right now and say I’m not completely sold he is just immediately going to fit into that team for Vancouver, and it’s going to be off and running.”
Muller left Bayern Munich after spending nearly 25 years with the club, winning 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League crowns, and a catalogue of other trophies.
Muller has signed for the remainder of the 2025 season and the 2026 season as a Designated Player and will officially join the roster once his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), visa, and work permit are complete.
