Will Thomas Müller be back with the Vancouver Whitecaps next season?
Thomas Müller has been everything the Vancouver Whitecaps could have hoped for, and more.
It’s been more than a year since Müller chose Vancouver. The move surprised everyone at the time, as he was the first global star to join the Whitecaps in the MLS era.
Müller has proven to be a great fit as a leader, a playmaker, and being practically automatic from the penalty spot. Meanwhile, off the pitch, Müller’s charming personality has endeared him to both teammates and fans.
He’s the best marketing tool the club has ever had.
The Whitecaps have piled up wins during his tenure, and fans have flocked to BC Place.
A crowd of 25,398 showed up to see the Whitecaps’ 5-0 thrashing of FC Dallas last Saturday. That marked the 22nd consecutive MLS match at BC Place with an announced attendance over 20,000 — with much of that streak coming in the Müller era.
Needless to say, he has been well worth his $5.15 million salary.
The Whitecaps have done a lot of winning in the Müller era. (Abe Arredondo/Imagn Images)
What remains to be seen is how long the good times will keep rolling.
Müller, who turns 37 in September, is currently without a contract for next season. The ‘Caps would surely welcome him back, so the German star has a decision to make.
He could retire if he wants to, but the Bayern Munich legend is still playing at a high level. Müller could sign elsewhere, whether that be in MLS or in Europe, but he seems to have enjoyed his time in Vancouver.
A big part of the reason Müller picked the Whitecaps in the first place was because of their play on the pitch, and that hasn’t taken a step back. The Whitecaps currently sit in first place in the MLS Western Conference, with a sparkling 12-4-4 record.
Before MLS moves to a winter schedule in 2027-28 to align itself with the rest of the soccer world, Müller could return with a low commitment. A “transition season” will run from February to May next year, with each club playing just 14 regular season games before the MLS Cup Playoffs begin.
Müller was actually asked about this possibility by Blake Price during an exclusive interview on Sekeres and Price last November.
“In 2027, you’re not under contract. But it’s just a little wee 14-game season,” Blake said persuasively. “Could you imagine sticking around for just a little wee 14-game season?”
Müller’s response: “I can imagine a lot.”
So you’re telling us there’s a chance…
- You might also like:
- Do the Vancouver Whitecaps have a 'done deal' to run BC Place?