Some of Major League Soccer's Western Conference contenders have been busy this transfer window with top clubs looking to bolster their squads for the playoff push.
On Wednesday, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the signing of soccer legend Thomas Müller on a free transfer for the remainder of the 2025 MLS season and an option for 2026.
Vancouver purchased the Discovery Priority for Müller from FC Cincinnati for $400,000.
The German International has spent his entire 17-year professional career playing for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and has signed up for a new challenge in MLS.
The 35-year-old has conquered the game of football for both club and country, and is widely considered one of the most decorated German football players ever.
His club trophy case includes 13 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League titles, two FIFA Club World Cups and more, totalling 33 trophies for Bayern Munich - making 756 appearances, scoring 250 goals and adding 238 assists in that time.
On the international stage, Müller has earned 131 caps, scoring 45 goals and dishing out 41 assists for Germany. His international trophy case includes individual awards such as the Golden Boot, and Best Young Player at the 2010 World Cup. He then won the World Cup in its next edition in 2014.
The German legend will join manager Jesper Sørensen’s midfield which already contains Scottish International Ryan Gauld, and American International Sebastien Berhalter.
Müller’s main role in Sørensen’s team will be supplying forward Brian White with assists. White joined Vancouver in 2021 and has scored 10+ goals in every season except for 2022. With one of Europe’s top assisters joining his team, White will look to add to his 2025 goal tally of 11.
Vancouver currently sits second in the West and looked to bolster their midfield this summer after losing 23-year-old Ecuadorian international Pedro Vite to Liga MX club Pumas UNAM. Vite joined Pumas for a reported $7 million after spending four seasons in Vancouver.
Although Vite had been one of Vancouvers top performers this season, Müller will be looking to bring his experience and winning DNA to the help Vancouver lift their first ever MLS Cup.
The Whitecaps currently have the third shortest odds to win MLS Cup at +750 and the second shortest odds to win the Western Conference at +187 with nine matches remaining after acquiring Müller.
Müller arrived in Vancouver on Wednesday and his first press conference with the team will take place on Thursday.
Müller may be available to play for Vancouver as early as this Saturday against San Jose Earthquakes. That game is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET/9:30 PM CT/8:30 PM MT on Saturday, August 9, from PayPal Park in San Jose, CA.
Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
