LAFC’s Big Gamble: Can They Land Thomas Müller?
If LAFC had their way, their black-and-gold lineup would already feature Thomas Müller in the middle of their attack. But European stars don’t come easy to Major League Soccer, and right now, Müller’s name headlines a transfer saga that seems more complicated by the day.
LAFC coach Steven Cherundolo hasn’t been shy about his intentions. He sees Müller’s tactical brain and decades of Bundesliga and Champions League experience as game-changers for a club hungry for another shot at the MLS Cup. It’s not just Müller’s goals or assists; it’s the mentality and leadership he could pass to a younger squad. The LAFC–Bayern Munich partnership — marketed with plenty of fanfare back in 2023 — promised fresh talent sharing, but even those close ties haven’t cleared the path.
What’s stopping the deal? MLS’s own transfer labyrinth. In the league, a ‘discovery rights’ system means clubs can reserve priority negotiation with international players. Right now, FC Cincinnati holds those rights for Müller, even if he’s yet to kick a ball stateside. LAFC can’t even start formal negotiations until they buy those rights, or until Cincinnati passes, making things awkward after the German veteran turned down Cincinnati’s initial offer and showed little interest in Chicago Fire’s previous approaches. LAFC are left to wait—along with fans who are craving a headline signing.
Müller’s contract with Bayern isn’t done just yet. He’s tied up through the 2025 Club World Cup, giving him one last potential run at silverware with the only club he’s ever suited up for. But with his Bayern minutes not what they were a few years ago, there is real chatter about what comes next. The forward has always taken his time with career moves, resisting earlier MLS offers and eyeing a fitting send-off whenever he does leave Germany.
Bayern’s Focus: Coman Stays, Club World Cup Beckons
While transfer stories swirl, Bayern Munich is locking in for the Club World Cup. With a locker room full of stars like Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, and Joshua Kimmich, Bayern are determined to add another piece of silverware to their collection. Each brings their own style — Kane’s ruthless finishing, Musiala’s dribbling flair, and Kimmich’s midfield control. But among all this talent, there’s still uncertainty about captain Manuel Neuer’s future, with whispers that another summer exit could shake things up for the perennial Bundesliga champions.
One thing that is clear: Kingsley Coman won’t be leaving the Allianz Arena anytime soon. The French winger has brushed aside transfer rumors, making it clear he’s staying loyal to Bayern just as the club readies its biggest tests. Coman’s pace and directness on the left have been vital, and Bayern are counting on that in the coming months.
With the Club World Cup approach, Bayern look steady, but for LAFC and other MLS clubs, the future might be just as interesting. Their pursuit of Müller is a glimpse of how American soccer’s ambitions keep growing — regulation headaches and all. For now, fans on both sides of the Atlantic are watching and waiting, hoping for clarity in a saga that blends tradition, ambition, and the tricky world of the MLS rulebook.
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