Thomas Müller Joins Vancouver Whitecaps
Thomas Müller, an iconic figure in German football and a long-time Bayern Munich star, has officially joined the Vancouver Whitecaps, as confirmed by the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on Wednesday. Known for his impressive 756 appearances and scoring 250 goals during his tenure at Bayern, Müller had become a hot topic among several MLS franchises following his departure from the club in April.
Müller’s Ambitions
“I’m eager to come to Vancouver and contribute to our journey towards winning a championship,” Müller shared in a press release.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the city, emphasizing that his primary goal is to achieve victory on the field.
Transfer Details
Müller’s signing came after the Whitecaps struck a deal with FC Cincinnati to obtain his discovery rights for a total of $300,000 in general allocation money, which could rise by another $100,000 based on specific conditions. According to MLS protocols, once a player is placed on a discovery list, no other clubs can engage in discussions regarding that player. Even though Cincinnati had the exclusive rights to negotiate with Müller, he declined their offer back in April, according to a source cited by ESPN.
Current Team Performance
As Müller prepares to make his debut, he joins a Whitecaps squad that is currently thriving in the MLS. Holding the second position in the Western Conference standings with 45 points from 24 matches, their record boasts 13 wins, 5 losses, and 6 draws. Earlier this year, the Whitecaps also made a strong showing in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, where they were ultimately defeated by Cruz Azul 5-0.
Praise from Leadership
Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster praised Müller, calling him a world-class talent and the quintessential “Raumdeuter”, which translates to “Interpreter of space.” Schuster highlighted Müller’s remarkable ability to create scoring opportunities, his exceptional awareness on the pitch, and his relentless movement away from the ball.
Furthermore, Schuster mentioned that Müller’s leadership, winning experience, and hard work would boost the entire team.
“This is a landmark signing for our club and city, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome Thomas to Vancouver,” he added.
A Celebrated Career
Müller leaves behind a celebrated chapter in the Bundesliga, where he collected 13 league titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies with Bayern. Additionally, he represented Germany in 131 international matches, securing a World Cup victory in 2014 before retiring from international duties last year.
