Headed to America? Thomas Müller open to joining Major League Soccer

Ahead of his last Bundesliga game for Bayern Munich and the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, Thomas Müller is still open about his future. “I am still unsure,” Müller said in an interview with Sky. “There isn’t anything concrete yet, but I have a few ideas. We will keep it interesting.” One option is a transfer to Major League Soccer. 

Indeed, Müller wants to use his time with Bayern Munich at the Club World Cup for inspiration. “I think the next few weeks will give my ideas some direction,” Müller said. “The Club World Cup will an exciting experience. Of course, I am listening to offers from the United States.” At the same time, Müller doesn’t have a clear-cut strategy about his future. “I was never the type who said: ‘this is my only idea that’s how we have to do it.’” 

In the US Rumor Mill, the Bayern Munich legend has been linked with San Diego FC, FC Dallas,  FC Cincinnati and Los Angeles FC. LAFC have been heavily linked with a move for Müller in the German press, but club sources have pushed back on the idea that the 35-year-old is on the verge of joining the Los Angeles club. Those reports have their origin in the fact that LAFC and Bayern Munich have a cooperation agreement in place. 

Many MLS clubs interested in Thomas Müller - FC Cincinnati own discover rights

Cincinnati owns Müller's MLS discovery rights, a mechanism that acts as a right of first refusal for the team. Those rights can be traded to another MLS team in exchange for salary cap space. But Müller has turned down an offer by Cincinnati. As a result, Cincinnati still have a role to play should Müller opt to join a club in MLS. Last season, Marco Reus refused an offer by Charlotte FC, and his rights were eventually traded to the LA Galaxy. 

But does Müller even want to go to the MLS? Although heavily linked with a move to America, Müller could also opt to retire or join a club from another European league. Indeed, Serie A has been rumored as one potential destination. What about after his career? What will be next for Müller? “There isn’t that one wish or dream,” Müller said. Instead, Müller, who played his 750th career game for Bayern last weekend, wants to see what he will miss after his career and base his decision on that feeling.