Thomas Muller to earn only a third of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami salary even after big pay rise as details of Vancouver Whitecaps contract emerge

According to Sport Bild, Muller is expected to earn around €6.6 million over the next year-and-a-half with the Whitecaps in MLS, making him the highest-paid player in the club’s history. However, the move hasn’t been as straightforward as expected due to the league's salary structure and discovery rights held by Cincinnati.

There are different salary models in the MLS. Before the season, the Whitecaps opted for a model in which only two designated players are allowed to earn outside the salary cap. Team captain Ryan Gauld and Andres Cubas currently fill these slots.

Muller reportedly would only have had the equivalent of €300,000 available within the salary cap for the rest of the season. However, he will receive around €600,000 until winter for two reasons.

The first is through Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), which helps clubs sign players expected to make a strong sporting impact when designated player spots are unavailable. The second is due to the injury of Canadian defender Sam Adekugbe. While he is sidelined, his salary can be reassigned to another player - Muller, in this case.

For the 2025 season, the Whitecaps plan to adopt a salary model with three designated players, with Muller expected to take the third spot. He has reportedly agreed to a salary of €6m for the 2026 campaign.

Notably, the salary structure is not the only factor that is causing difficulties in completing the transfer. Vancouver must first buy Muller's discovery rights from FC Cincinnati. This is a pre-emptive right that MLS clubs can secure each year for a certain number of players. Initially, it was reported that Cincinnati were demanding around €340,000.

Muller’s arrival in MLS adds to the league’s growing list of big-name signings. The 35-year-old leaves Bayern Munich after a decorated career, making over 600 appearances for the club. His move to Vancouver makes him one of the top earners in MLS. By comparison, Lionel Messi is reportedly on €19m at Inter Miami, while Marco Reus earns around €1m at LA Galaxy. Muller's last contract at Bayern was worth €20m per year.

The basic agreement between Muller and Vancouver has reportedly been reached. The 35-year-old is expected to sign his contract immediately after his contract with Bayern expires on August 1. He could then potentially make his debut on August 10 in the away game against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Additional reporting by Nino Duit.