Explaining MLS' discovery rights: What were Müller's extra steps to Vancouver?

The article discusses the complexities surrounding Major League Soccer's (MLS) discovery rights system and how it impacted Thomas Müller's move to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Müller, a renowned German footballer, recently joined the Whitecaps, but the process was not straightforward. The discovery rights system in MLS allows teams to claim exclusive rights to negotiate with certain players who are not yet under contract with an MLS club. The article explains that the Whitecaps had to take additional steps to acquire Müller's rights, as another MLS team had previously claimed them. This involved negotiating with the other team and compensating them, adding an extra layer of complexity to the transfer. The article highlights the unique nature of the discovery rights system in MLS, which can create challenges for players and teams looking to make transfers. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these rules and navigating the complexities to ensure a smooth player acquisition process.