Thomas Müller Follows Messi’s MLS Trail, Choosing Vancouver Whitecaps in Surprising Move

After a remarkable 25-year career with Bayern Munich, Thomas Müller is preparing to embrace a new chapter by joining Major League Soccer. This decision comes amid the spotlight on MLS following Lionel Messi’s high-profile transfer to Inter Miami, highlighting the growing appeal of the league.

In a surprising turn, Müller has chosen to join the Vancouver Whitecaps, rejecting a lucrative offer from LAFC. Reports indicate that Vancouver is actively negotiating with FC Cincinnati to acquire his MLS discovery rights, a necessary step before finalizing the transfer.

Müller’s Motivation: Beyond Following Messi

Thomas Müller’s move to MLS is not merely about following in Lionel Messi’s footsteps but reflects his own vision. He aims to embrace a new football culture and enjoy the game less pressured by European expectations. At 35 years old, with an illustrious career behind him, Müller is motivated by passion rather than prestige.

Jürgen Klinsmann, former USMNT coach, recommended the switch, noting that the quality of MLS has risen significantly. He compared the league’s level to that of the Eredivisie and Austrian Bundesliga, describing it as competitive and steadily improving, though not yet among Europe’s top tiers.

Müller himself has dismissed comparisons with Messi, emphasizing that his decision is personally driven:

“it’s not about following the crowd but about doing something that feels right.”

—Thomas Müller, Playmaker

Negotiations and Contract Details Underway

The Vancouver Whitecaps are actively working to finalize Müller’s signing, seeing it as a genuine football project rather than a publicity move. The complexity of MLS rules means FC Cincinnati currently holds his discovery rights, which Vancouver must purchase—a process believed to involve roughly $400,000.

MLS league officials are reportedly assisting to smooth the negotiations. The contract terms project Müller initially signing as a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) player, earning approximately $685,000 for the 2025 season. By 2026, he is expected to become a Designated Player with a salary near $7.5 million, ranking him close behind Lionel Messi among the highest-paid players in MLS.

His official announcement is anticipated for August 1, followed by a likely debut on August 9 against the San Jose Earthquakes. Fans can expect to see Müller’s home debut at BC Place by August 17 when Vancouver faces the Houston Dynamo.

Impact on Major League Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps

Müller’s arrival symbolizes MLS’s evolution beyond the label of a retirement league. His signing is a strong endorsement of the league’s increasingly competitive standard and broadening international stature. The presence of both Müller and Messi in MLS underscores the league’s success in attracting world-class talent.

For the Vancouver Whitecaps, this is a landmark acquisition. While the squad has been competitive, Müller brings a rare blend of experience, leadership, and global recognition. His ability to influence teammates through skill and character is expected to elevate the team’s mindset and performance.

The move also illustrates a strategic shift within MLS to distribute high-profile players across more cities rather than concentrating them in established markets like Los Angeles or Miami. Müller’s presence is poised to invigorate Canadian soccer culture, offering fans in Vancouver a rare chance to witness an elite player in action live.

Looking Ahead: Müller’s Role and Future in MLS

This transfer isn’t merely a concluding chapter in Müller’s distinguished career; it marks the beginning of a fresh journey. Despite reduced playing time at Bayern Munich, he remains mentally sharp and physically capable, known for his “Raumdeuter” style—intuitively finding space and creating opportunities.

Projected to remain with the Whitecaps through 2026, Müller aims to compete seriously, mentor younger players, and inspire a new generation of soccer enthusiasts across North America. His commitment suggests a meaningful and impactful MLS tenure rather than a brief stint.

What Müller’s Move Signals for MLS’s Future

Though Müller’s move may not generate the global frenzy sparked by Messi, it conveys a clear message: MLS is now a league of diverse superstars with distinct motivations. His choice of Vancouver over a more glamorous Los Angeles option reflects his personal values and ongoing passion for football.

This shift highlights MLS’s growing reputation as a vibrant, competitive league that offers international players a unique, rewarding environment. By continuing to attract elite talent like Müller, MLS strengthens its position on the global soccer stage, promising an exciting future for fans and players alike.