Thomas Muller set to join MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps

Bayern Munich veteran Thomas Muller is close to sealing a move to Major League Soccer (MLS).

According to German and Canadian media reports, only minor details remain before the 35-year-old signs a two-year contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps as a free agent on August 1.

The 131-time capped German international is expected to further boost the MLS' profile alongside Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami. Reports say Muller's debut for the Whitecaps could come on August 9 against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Layvin Kurzawa (L) from Paris Saint-Germain competes with Thomas Muller from Bayern Munich during their match of Group B of the 2017-18 season Champions League at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on Sept. 27, 2017. Paris Saint-Germain won by 3-0 at home. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

The Bavarian forward recently expressed a desire to gain international experience to round out a decorated career that includes two UEFA Champions League titles, 13 Bundesliga championships and six German Cup trophies.

Muller has called the MLS an intriguing competition, noting that "we see a World Cup played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, in 2026."

German ties to the Canadian west coast club may have influenced his decision. Canadian international full-back Alphonso Davies joined Bayern from Vancouver in 2018, while Whitecaps managing director Alexander Schuster previously worked for German sides Mainz 05 and Schalke 04. In 2022, Nick Salihamidzic, son of former Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, played for Vancouver.

"I am looking forward to playing in the MLS and meeting figureheads such as Messi," said Muller, who leaves Bayern after contributing 250 goals and 276 assists in 756 competitive appearances.

He follows in the footsteps of fellow Bayern and German greats Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Lothar Matthaeus and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who all played in the MLS after their European careers.

The Whitecaps have won the Canadian Championship four times, including three in the past three years.

Muller acknowledged the challenge of adapting to new surroundings, saying, "When you leave a club like Bayern, you meet different circumstances." He added that he still feels "the desire for football burning in my chest."

Turning 36 in September, Muller saw his wish for a one-year contract extension turned down by Bayern as his playing time declined in recent seasons, when he primarily served as a substitute and mentor for younger players.