Bundesliga
Müller makes next move
With Thomas Müller’s 25-year fairy-tale at Bayern Munich having finally come to an end earlier this summer, the former Germany international has joined Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps, subject to a work permit.
Müller enjoyed 17 seasons of professional football at Bayern after joining the Bavarian giants at the age of 10. The 35-year-old lifted 34 senior titles for his boyhood club, including a record-extending 13th in the Bundesliga in 2024/25.
The famed Raumdeuter is Bayern's record appearance maker with 756 competitive appearances to his name. He found the net 250 times during that time, putting him third in Bayern's all-time goalscoring charts behind only Gerd Müller and Robert Lewandowski. He also produced some 276 assists.
"Thomas is a world-class player – the ultimate Raumdeuter ('space interpreter') – known for his elite chance creation, unmatched spatial awareness, and relentless off-the-ball movement,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps CEO & sporting director.
"He not only brings a winning pedigree and exceptional football intelligence, but also a tireless work ethic that will elevate the entire team. Thomas is a natural leader whose passion for the game is infectious. This is a statement signing by our club and our ownership – a transformative moment for our club and our city. We are proud to welcome Thomas to Vancouver."
Watch: The Thomas Müller story
Even in the twilight of his playing days, Müller still has the drive to build on a decorated career that includes those 13 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions Leagues and the FIFA 2014 World Cup, among others.
"I'm looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship," he said following confirmation of his transfer.
"I’ve heard great things about the city, but first and foremost I’m coming to win. I’ve had great conversations with Axel Schuster and Jesper Sørensen, and now I can’t wait to play in front of the supporters and to see all of the fans come out to BC Place as we head towards the playoffs."
Müller is one of a number of players to have departed the Allianz Arena this summer as Kompany looks to refine his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Leroy Sané, Eric Dier, Mathys Tel and Frans Krätzig have all left on permanent deals, while João Palhinha has joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan.
Defender Jonathan Tah and forward Luis Díaz have moved in the opposite direction, making the switch from Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool respectively.
The defending champions' season begins away at VfB Stuttgart in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on 16 August. Six days later, they kick off the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign at home to RB Leipzig.