In an effort to maintain their connection with Bayern Munich icon Thomas Muller, team executive Jochen Sauer is reportedly going the extra mile. Muller, 35, is set to depart the Allianz Arena this summer after 25 years with the Bavarian team, 17 of which he spent in the first team. The veteran star has been linked with a move to MLS, potentially following in the footsteps of other aging superstars like Lionel Messi, Marco Reus, and Olivier Giroud.
While FC Cincinnati technically holds Muller’s Discovery Rights – a unique MLS rule granting them the first right of refusal to negotiate with the player – a move to the West Coast appears more likely, according to Bayern Insider, via Goal. It also looks as though Muller turned his nose up at Cincinnati’s offer, via Laurel Pfahler.
The LAFC connection?
He could end up teaming up with Olivier Giroud at LAFC, a team that already has a partnership in place with Bayern. In light of this, Bayern campus director and Red&Gold Soccer (Bayern and LA’s joint venture) head Sauer is reportedly giving Muller a full sales pitch. His strategy involves painting a dream-like picture of what his life could look like in California.
The Beverly Hills pitch
Sauer’s pitch reportedly included the offer of a home in the star-studded city of Beverly Hills, where Muller would be able to indulge his love for golf on some of the area’s best courses. He would also be offered a brand ambassador role with Bayern, in hopes of boosting their presence in the U.S. It is quite a tempting opportunity!
Other MLS teams in the mix
Of course, LAFC and Cincinnati aren’t the only teams monitoring Muller’s situation. The Chicago Fire are also said to be interested in the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner. However, Gregg Berhalter’s side now appears to be in pole position to land Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, as per The Athletic, which would likely rule them out of the running for the German.
Elsewhere, Muller had also previously been linked with MLS newcomers San Diego FC, as per Christian Falk, via iMiaSanMia, although there was no mention of Mikey Varas’ side in the latest report. It’s also worth noting that Serie A side Fiorentina had recently reached out to Muller’s camp to gauge his interest in a possible move to Italy, although it seems this won’t come to anything anytime soon. It seems Muller is very focussed on the MLS.
