Thomas Muller acknowledges fans after Bayern Munich's 10-0 victory against Auckland City in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage. Photo: Reuters

After 17 seasons with Bayern Munich, Muller was not offered a contract extension and left as a free agent. The German forward is finalizing the details of his move to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

However, the transfer was not entirely free. Vancouver had to pay $400,000 to FC Cincinnati, even though the club wasn't involved in negotiations with Muller, and the 35-year-old striker has never played in MLS.

The reason stems from a unique MLS rule called the "discovery list." This mechanism allows MLS teams to register their interest in certain players they are interested in, even if those players have not yet played in the league.

FC Cincinnati added Muller to this list soon after its founding in 2019. This gave them exclusive negotiating rights should the German player decide to play in the US. Therefore, if another team, like Vancouver, wanted to sign Muller, they had to compensate Cincinnati.

Under MLS rules, each club can add up to five names to its discovery list. This mechanism was created to avoid internal competition between teams in the league, thereby controlling transfer values that might escalate due to bidding wars.

Unlike most leagues worldwide, players in MLS don't sign contracts directly with clubs, but with the league itself. MLS then allocates players to teams according to specific principles, including discovery rights.

Muller's trophy collection with Bayern. Photo: FC Bayern

Muller is a product of Bayern Munich's youth academy and spent his entire 17-season senior career there. The German forward scored 250 goals and provided 276 assists in 756 appearances for "The Bavarians." He has won every major title at club level, including 12 Bundesliga championships, six German Cups, two Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.

At 20, Muller made his debut for the German national team at the 2010 World Cup and made an immediate impact with 5 goals and 3 assists, winning the Golden Boot and Best Young Player awards. At the 2014 World Cup, he scored another 5 goals, contributing significantly to Germany's world championship victory and receiving the Silver Boot. In total, he has scored 45 goals in 131 international appearances.

Muller is known by the nickname "Raumdeuter"—space interpreter—which refers to his unique and rare playing style.

Hong Duy (Marca)