Thomas Müller, the star of FC Bayern Munich, expressed interest in joining the Philadelphia Union, but the club rejected his approach due to his high salary demands, which ranged from $8 million to $10 million annually.

Union sporting director Ernst Tanner described Müller's financial demands as 'absolutely unthinkable' for a club that operates with one of the smallest budgets in MLS.

The Philadelphia Union is known for its frugality, focusing on developing young talent rather than making high-profile signings.

The Union's highest player salary to date was $2.27 million for former midfielder Marco Fabián, underscoring the financial disparity in Müller's proposed contract.

Müller has had an illustrious career with Bayern, playing over 750 games, scoring 250 goals, and winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany.

Other MLS teams, including LAFC and FC Cincinnati, have shown interest in Müller, with LAFC being a frontrunner due to their business ties with Bayern Munich.

FC Cincinnati's CEO Jeff Berding expressed optimism about signing Müller, highlighting the club's strong German heritage and desire for a winning player.

Despite initial rejection from the Union, Müller has not ruled out a potential move to FC Cincinnati.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union continues to perform well in the league, currently leading the Eastern Conference with star striker Tai Baribo at the forefront of the Golden Boot race.

The Union has a history of success in the Eastern Conference without relying on high-profile signings, emphasizing their developmental approach.

The Union will return to action on June 28 against Chicago, following a league-wide break.

Tanner emphasized the Union's focus on being a developmental club with a limited budget, suggesting that a player of Müller's stature would be better suited to a team with more financial flexibility.