Report: Adidas steps in as Thomas Müller eyes American move

Thomas Müller’s legendary Bayern München career is set to come to a close following the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, and the 35-year-old could be heading to Major League Soccer.

As reported by Bild, Los Angeles FC are eager to sign the 2014 World Cup winner, and Müller is interested in the move. But so far, financial disagreements have prevented a deal. 

Now, according to Bild, Adidas may be entering the picture to help bridge the gap.

The sportswear giant and long-standing sponsor of both Müller and Bayern München could play a key role in making the transfer happen. Adidas holds an 8.33% stake in Bayern’s professional football division and is reportedly prepared to extend Müller’s personal endorsement deal, both in terms of duration and financial scope, if he completes a move to MLS.

Bayern pushing for LAFC move

Bayern themselves are suggested to be actively encouraging the transfer, aiming to position Müller as the club’s ambassador in the United States. Der Rekordmeister have maintained a strategic partnership with LAFC since March 2023 through their joint venture “Red & Gold Football.” The goal is to strengthen their presence in the American market, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. 

Though other clubs, including Japan’s Vissel Kobe and several other MLS outfits, have expressed interest, Bild suggests that Müller has his sights set solely on Los Angeles. He has already turned down FC Cincinnati.

Adidas keen on American ambassador role

From Adidas’ perspective, having Müller in the U.S. market as a global ambassador ahead of the upcoming World Cup on American shores adds significant value. It’s a move that makes marketing sense for the German brand, and they appear willing to financially support the transfer to make it viable.

In Bild’s report, they mentioned that an Adidas spokesperson declined to comment on contract matters. 

For Müller, who has spent 25 years at Bayern since joining as a youth player in 2000 and amassed a record 33 club titles, the transfer represents one final chapter, unless talks collapse.