Thomas Müller to Depart Bayern Munich After 17 Seasons
End of an Era for the German Star
Thomas Müller, a key player for Bayern Munich, will not continue with the club for the upcoming season following an impressive 17-year tenure at Allianz Arena. The 35-year-old will part ways with Bayern in the midst of the Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Notably, Müller’s contract expires on June 30, precisely in the middle of the tournament, raising questions about whether he will complete the championship with his team.
Club’s Decision Amidst Müller’s Commitment
While Müller has publicly expressed his desire to remain at Bayern and his commitment to the club—even amid reduced playing time in recent years—the decision to not renew his contract was made by the club. In a farewell message posted on social media, Müller stated, “After all these years, regardless of the amount of playing time I’ve had, I have always been happy on the pitch, fighting with my teammates for our colors and new trophies. I could envision myself continuing in this role. However, the club decided not to enter negotiations for a new contract.”
Temporary Contract Extension to Complete the Tournament
As Müller stands on the brink of becoming a free agent on June 30, Bayern Munich will participate in the Club World Cup alongside 31 other teams. To allow Müller to complete the tournament with the team, Bayern has opted to grant him a temporary contract extension of an additional 15 days. This solution may serve as a precedent for other players in similar situations across participating teams.
Similar Situations at Other Clubs
Other clubs are likely to follow suit regarding similar contract situations as the tournament approaches. At Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will not continue next season at Etihad. Following Pep Guardiola’s press conference, it remains uncertain whether De Bruyne will participate throughout the tournament. Ilkay Gündogan’s status is also shrouded in ambiguity.
In Real Madrid, Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez will become free agents as their contracts expire on June 30, with both players expected to negotiate short-term extensions to finish the Club World Cup, should they conclude their journeys with the club there.
Standardizing Temporary Extensions
As the situation unfolds, it is anticipated that the solution found by Bayern with Müller—a temporary 15-day contract extension—will become a standard practstart among clubs facing similar contractual timelines as the Club World Cup draws near. This development highlights the unique challenges players face amidst the transition periods in their careers