Thomas Muller admits he's 'asking around' MLS as Germany legend prepares for Bayern Munich exit

After lifting his 13th Bundesliga title in a match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Muller’s next move remains undecided, though he is keeping his options open and discussions are ongoing. The forward will represent Bayern at the upcoming Club World Cup in June, but has yet to finalise a deal with a new club.

Speaking candidly about his uncertain future to Sky Sport, Muller stated: “I don't know yet. There's nothing concrete at the moment, but I have ideas, of course. We're keeping it exciting. I think the next few weeks will show. We still have the Club World Cup coming up, which will be an exciting experience. Of course, I'm also asking around in the US. I don't have a complete strategy yet. I've never been the type to say: 'This is my only idea and we'll do it'. I'm deliberately very open-minded... I plan, once I've stopped playing football, to try to feel if I'm missing something and what I'm missing. There isn't one single wish or one single dream. We'll see."

Among the MLS clubs reportedly in the running, Los Angeles FC are believed to have the inside track to secure Muller’s signature. Their long-standing partnership with Bayern has placed them in a favourable position, and the German side are now working behind the scenes to smooth a possible transition. Jochen Sauer, who heads Bayern’s youth academy and also leads Red&Gold Football — a joint venture with LAFC — is spearheading efforts to make Muller’s potential move to California a reality.

Part of the appeal for Muller includes more than just football. Reports suggest that LAFC’s proposal features a home in Beverly Hills and membership access to some of the region’s most exclusive golf courses — a major draw for the German, who is a passionate golfer.

While interest from LAFC is concrete, securing Muller’s services is not as straightforward due to MLS’s unique transfer regulations. Cincinnati currently hold the "discovery rights" to Muller — a mechanism used within MLS that gives a club the initial opportunity to negotiate with foreign players before others can make an offer.

Cincinnati would therefore be entitled to compensation should Muller opt to join another MLS team. Nevertheless, the veteran attacker is understood to have declined any offer from Cincinnati, keeping LAFC’s hopes alive.