Football General Manager
- Whitecaps reportedly in talks with Muller
- MLS side speaking with Cincinnati over his discovery rights
- Germany legend claims next move is "across the pond"
The Vancouver Whitecaps are reportedly in talks with Germany and Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Muller, 35, saw his contract with the Bavarian club end this summer at the conclusion of their FIFA Club World Cup run, capping off a stellar career with the Bundesliga giants.
Muller is Bayern’s all-time leading assist provider. Across his time with the club, he amassed 250 goals and 276 assists, winning 12 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies in 756 appearances across all competitions.
The Whitecaps are also in discussion with FC Cincinnati over the Discovery Rights of Muller, as FCC owns them. Nothing is official yet, but Muller has confirmed that his next club will be “across the pond.”
Both FCC and LAFC have reportedly shown interest in Muller this offseason. It was reported ahead of the Club World Cup that Muller rejected an offer from FCC.
The Whitecaps have been one of the best MLS clubs this season, and currently sit second in the Western Conference standings. Earlier this season, they made it to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, but fell short in their pursuit of continental glory.
Their campaign has been spearheaded by U.S. internationals Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter, while star playmaker Ryan Gauld has missed nearly the entire season due to injury – though he’s expected to return to first-team action this summer.
The addition of Muller could elevate the Whitecaps to compete for not only a Western Conference title, but an MLS Cup, as well. Muller is reported to have consulted with former Germany teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger about a potential move. The Chicago Fire were Schweinsteiger’s final stop in a storied career.
Muller is also a published author, on top of being a professional footballer. In Germany, he wrote and saw a children’s book titled Mein Weg in Die Startelf get published.
Muller is a free agent, meaning a signing would only need his discovery rights, the agreement of a contract, and an allocated roster spot to fit him.
The Whitecaps take on Sporting Kansas City Saturday evening, meanwhile.