MLS secures top-tier talent with Thomas Müller's move to the league.
Thomas Müller Joins Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Two-Year Deal
Thomas Müller, the German footballing legend, has officially signed a contract with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, marking a significant moment for the club and the city. The 35-year-old forward will be wearing the jersey with number 13, as the jersey sold out minutes after sales began.
Müller's decision to join the MLS was made after some weeks of consideration. His contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps is until the end of 2026, with a Designated Player option for 2026, effectively a two-year deal if the option is exercised.
The terms of the contract include a base salary for 2025 of approximately $600,000, a notably low figure compared to the €20.5 million he earned in his last season at Bayern Munich. Müller may also receive potential playoff bonuses from the team’s bonus pool.
Müller’s signing was framed as a sporting decision more than financial, with the player emphasizing his desire to win championships and contribute to the team’s success in Vancouver. The exact bonus or playoff compensation details were not publicly specified, but players receive additional money through a shared playoff bonus pool if the team advances.
The Vancouver Whitecaps consider Müller's signing a transformative moment, describing him as a natural leader with an infectious passion for the game. Müller himself made a comment about his move on Instagram with "It's done. Let's go".
Müller will be joining other aging stars like Messi in the MLS, adding a new dimension to the league's star-studded roster. The exact details of his contract, such as release clauses, guaranteed bonuses beyond playoff pools, or sponsorship terms, have not been publicly disclosed.
The Vancouver Whitecaps announced Müller's signing on Wednesday, with the player announcing his move in a video with the words "Whitecaps - let's make history." Müller's move to the MLS is due to his contract not being renewed by Bayern Munich. No new information about FC Bayern Munich was provided in this paragraph.
No information about a loan or Luis Diaz was provided in any of the paragraphs.
References: 1. MLSsoccer.com 2. ESPN.com 3. Sportsnet.ca 4. Vancouver Whitecaps FC press release
Müller'sMove to soccer with Vancouver Whitecaps FC signifies a shift towards football in the MLS. The former Bayern Munich forward, known for his passion and leadership, will compete in American football leagues for the next two years as per his contract.