Thomas Müller will leave Bayern in summer. While a lot is speculated about the sporting future of the 35-year-old, one option focuses particularly on: a change to the MLS. But a change there is complicated.
The MLS has long been an attractive goal for European players who stand in late autumn of their career. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)Giorgio Chiellini (Los Angeles FC) Or Marco Reus (La Galaxy) are prominent examples. Thomas Müller has also been associated with a change to the USA for some time.
The FC Cincinnatione of the more sporty teams in the past MLS season, Müller had already made a specific contract offer, according to several media reports. However, Müller refused the offer reported. Nevertheless, Cincinnati remains an important player in Müller’s possible future in the MLS.
Entry on the discovery list and the monopoly on Müller
The reason for this is a special transfer rule: in the MLS, each club can rely up to seven players on a so -called “Discovery List”. The respective franchise has a right of anticipation for the players who stand there, should the player switch to the MLS. Müller has been on the Discovery List from FC Cincinnati for some time.
FC Cincinnati is currently in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference in front of Inter Miami
Although he never agreed, other clubs, such as Los Angeles FC or San Diego FC, First negotiate with Cincinnati about a transfer for this access. That sounds absurd, but is common practice in the league.
A similar case occurred with Marco Reus last year. Before moving to La Galaxy, Reus was on the list of Charlotte FC was led. Galaxy had to buy the transfer rights for 350,000 euros in order to be allowed to sign Reus.
Salary Cap becomes Challenge
In addition to the question of transfer rights, the financial structure of the league also plays a crucial role. The MLS operates with a strict salary limit, the so -called Salary Cap.
In order to be able to sign internationally known players, clubs are allowed to do up to three so -called Designated players register. These players are excluded from the salary upper limit, their contracts are balanced separately. Lionel Messi is such a player. Even for Thomas Müller, only this model would be an option.
Lionel Messi has been playing for Inter Miami since July 2023 and is already a all-time scorer there
LAFC would have to clear squad places
The mandatory club would have to have a corresponding squad square or freely create. This also makes an obligation complex, especially for ambitious teams that have often already occupied their three slots for designated players.
Los Angeles FC, for example, as a long -time partner association of FC Bayern one of the most obvious candidates, would have to submit an existing DP or apply for a recalculation to the MLS.
The two French world champions Hugo Lloris (left) and Olivier Giroud (right), here after the cup victory in 2024, both are currently playing at Los Angeles FC
Müller’s possibilities – sporty and personal
A move to the MLS for Müller could be the right conclusion of a great career. The league grows, its radiance is increasing internationally, not least due to the commitment of Lionel Messi and the upcoming Football World Cup 2026.
A move to other European leagues currently seems unlikely. According to agreed media reports, there were loose discussions with the AC Florence, but Müller is said to have shown no interest in commitment in series A. Also rumors about Prime Minister Or Turkey offers have so far remained vague. It is open whether he decides to end at a career end or strive for a function in the club or on TV.