Thomas Müller began the Club World Cup with a double, reached a career record of Bayern Munich goals of 250, and is likely going through the last playing moments in the Bavarian jersey. United States club FC Cincinnati has made a formal bid to the 35-year-old German legend and is weighing a switch later in the year.
The story was supported by Bild and Welt, German media outlets, and FC Cincinnati president Jeff Berding himself.
"We offered him very well, negotiated with his agents in bulk. He has a lot of choices ultimately. We can see that he and his agents might be looking for something else. That is football," Berding told Bild.
Last chapter at Bayern
With a record 33 trophies under his belt for Bayern, two Champions Leagues, and ten Bundesliga titles, Müller is one of the legends of the club. He also won a World Cup with Germany and is now tied with Toni Kroos as Germany's greatest player of all time.
There was evidence in his first-round victory over Auckland City in the Club World Cup that he is still capable of getting the job done on the pitch. Even past his physical peak, Müller plots a shrewd line, organizes the attack, and continues to be a technical and emotional club leader. He scored two goals against the New Zealand club and was substituted with applause from his bench-mates. That performance, more than symbolic, reminded everyone that No. 25 is still capable of winning an important game.
A natural entryway to the United States
Müller is clearly at a crossroads at 35. Bayern are undergoing a revival, paving the way for the promising next generation such as Musiala. Despite all he has done for the team, Müller's first-team status has been eroded gradually over the past few seasons.
FC Cincinnati is now a viable possibility. The American club has grown up now in MLS, looking to build its brand, and in a position where it is looking for a marquee signing that can perform on the field and attract publicity. At his established level, Müller checks all those boxes.
Unlike previous times when there were only rumors circulating, there’s now a formal offer on the table. And beyond that, there’s interest on both sides. Though the player has not gone public, he is believed to be giving serious consideration to the next move in his career.