Thomas Müller, now in the final stretch of his football career, has a huge decision to make as his Bayern contract nears expiry in July. It is still not known if the Bayern legend will decide to hang up his boots at the end of the season or extend his Bayern contract or perhaps play somewhere else.
Since last season, Muller's role at the club has been reduced to a backup option. The 35-year-old often comes on for the central attacking players Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane. According to Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl from the Bayern Insider podcast, Thomas Müller has no problem being a backup and he would accept that role next season as well should he extend his contract. His reduced minutes on the field will have an effect on his wages as well. Bayern won't be willing to pay Müller €17m anymore, and the player would also be open to taking a pay cut. It is also revealed that after initial discussion having taken place between Max Eberl and Müller in November, talks are set to resume in March/April.
If Muller doesn't extend with Bayern, it wouldn't necessarily mean retirement. The player can also imagine a move to the MLS, following the footsteps of other Bayern legends like Franz Beckenbaeuer, Gerd Muller and Lothar Matthäus who ended their careers in the United States.
Thomas Müller has made 31 appearances this season which includes just 11 starts. The Raumdeuter has scored 5 goals and assisted 4 times in 1184 minutes of playing time. More that goals or assists the 35-year-old brings considerable experience and leadership in Bayern's frontline which was recently seen in the resounding 4-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in which Muller featured from the start.
Uli Hoeness advises Müller to retire rather than continue as a substitute
Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeneß recently weighed in on Thomas Müller's contract situation, suggesting the veteran should not continue if he remains a bench option, as it would not be fitting for his great career.
Uli Hoeneß on Thomas Müller's future: "As a person and a member of the team, I would extend his contract at any time. But if the situation is such that he's only ever a substitute, I would advise him to quit. It would not be worthy of his great career if he were to end it as a… pic.twitter.com/P2Wc9z1B1w
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 25, 2025
With the contract extensions of Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer and Alphonso Davies, Bayern have completed considerable amount of work with regards to personnel contracts in 2025 already. Dayot Upamecano's extension is also, reportedly, right on the horizon. This could only mean Thomas
Müller's situation is up next to be sorted out. The decision from the player, however, is the most important part. Should Muller decide to continue, he won't find it difficult to reach an agreement with the club and head into his 18th season at Bayern Munich as a first team player.
(Stats courtesy of Transfermarkt)