Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay has confirmed the Isuzu UTE A-League club attempted to lure Bayern Munich legend and FIFA World Cup winner Thomas Müller to the Harbour City prior to the veteran’s transfer to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
The 35-year-old joined the Whitecaps overnight after departing Bayern – where the legendary forward spent 25 years and won 13 Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns.
Prior to Müller’s MLS move, Sydney Morning Herald reporter Vince Rugari linked the veteran with a transfer to Sydney FC as the Sky Blues looked to reunite Müller with former Bayern teammate Douglas Costa.
Rugari reported Sydney FC were “told they’re down to the final two” in the running for Müller’s signature before his ultimate move to Vancouver.
Fronting the media ahead of Sydney’s Hahn Australia Cup Round of 16 clash with Sydney United 58 on August 10, Sky Blues boss Talay was to address the link between Müller and the club.
“I think Sydney FC has been quite ambitious in the players that it’s brought in previously in its history,” Talay replied.
“So yeah, we definitely did have a crack. Obviously, Müller made a choice to go to Vancouver.
“But like I said, Alex Baumjohann (head of player management) and our technical core are working very hard to bring in players that we believe can bring us success.”
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
The club might not have succeeded in convincing Müller to land in the Isuzu UTE A-League – but their attempt to do so suggests there are funds available for Baumjohann and Talay to pursue alternative high-profile off-season recruits to bolster Talay’s squad for the 2025-26 campaign.
However unlikely it is that Sydney FC make another move for a player of Müller’s global recognition in the current off-season, Talay says the club’s willingness to spend big on an incoming recruit is dependant on the player’s value not only to on-field success, but commercially too.
“I think it depends on players,” Talay said.
“I think the club looks at it on a commercial value as well, and how much they add to us as Sydney FC, and also the competition.
“The board are working very hard. You know, we’re working very hard to make sure that we put on a team that you know tries to win trophies and also entertains our fans.”
TRANSFER NEWS
BULLISH MOVE: Macarthur sign experienced South Korea international with impressive CV
TOP DEAL: Melbourne City sign ‘gifted’ Champions League winner: Full details
