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Bayern Munich Didn't Want Thomas Muller To Join Vancouver Whitecaps

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Farah Ben Gamra | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 11:05 AM ET

Bayern Munich Didn't Want Thomas Muller To Join Vancouver Whitecaps, Claims Veteran Broadcaster

Thomas Müller joining the Vancouver Whitecaps is a win for MLS and the Canadian club but not everyone is celebrating it. Specifically not Bayern Munich.

According to ESPN’s Derek Rae, Bayern Munich wasn’t happy with the decision. Why? Because they wanted him to go somewhere else entirely.

At first glance that might seem strange. Müller is a club legend at Bayern and he’s earned the right to choose where he goes next. But this isn’t just about emotion – it’s about business and planning.

“I’m not sure Bayern, his old club, are entirely thrilled,” Rae said on ESPN FC. “They wanted him to go to LAFC, with whom they have a partnership.”

Bayern have an official partnership with LAFC, one of the biggest clubs in Major League Soccer. The idea is to work together on scouting, development and building both clubs’ global presence. From Bayern’s point of view having Müller join LAFC would have helped that partnership shine.

Instead Müller chose Vancouver. A solid club with no direct link to Bayern. No shared projects, no joint branding. Just a team that made a strong pitch and offered a fresh start. That likely threw off the plan Bayern had in mind.

Also Read: What Are the MLS Discovery Rights? The Controversial Rule Behind Thomas Muller’s Vancouver Whitecaps Transfer

Why did Thomas Müller Choose Vancouver?

According to multiple reports Müller turned down LAFC and is set to join Vancouver after the Whitecaps buy his discovery rights from FC Cincinnati for around $400,000 in allocation money. It’s one of the biggest signings in club history, maybe even the league this season. And it’s happening because Müller decided what he wanted, not what Bayern hoped for.

Derek Rae has commented about this choice saying “It’s a bit of a lifestyle move for him. I think he wanted to try something else.”

After 17 seasons, 33 major trophies and more than 750 games with Bayern Müller didn’t owe anyone anything and chose a move that felt right to him, whether or not it lined up with Bayern’s strategy.

Derek Rae’s comment reveals a little bit. Even when players leave on good terms clubs still have an idea of what should happen next.

Müller’s move didn’t follow Bayern’s plan. But Vancouver gets a legend. LAFC misses out. And MLS gets a new fresh storyline.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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