Cavan Sullivan is viewed as the best young prospect in the United States at the moment. With the country’s rising global appeal as far as soccer is concerned, it’s very important to keep the culture growing, and one of the best ways to do that is by producing some of the best and most exciting youngsters in the world, which is what many see 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan as—the best in his age group.
Over the past few years, Manchester City has habitually imported youngsters from other countries and developed them into world-class stars. The latest one is Julian Alvarez, and he’s now one of the brightest stars in English football. Pep Guardiola has also approved the deal to bring 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan to the Etihad, but how long will it take before the deal materializes?
Who is Cavan Sullivan?
Cavan Sullivan is a 14-year-old American wonder kid playing for the Philadelphia Union’s youth team. For a few years now, the youngster has caught the eyes of many with his impeccable skills, making American pundits and coaches claim he’s the best 14-year-old in the world at the moment, thanks to his intense understanding of the game.
Cavan Sullivan made a name for himself at the Under-15s CONCACAF Championship in 2023, where he won the Golden Ball for being the best player. This made several clubs interested in signing him, with Manchester City eventually agreeing on a deal with his club despite being just 14 years old and having yet to sign a professional contract.
“Cavan is a fantastic young talent,” Marlon LeBlanc, the Philadelphia Union II’s manager, declared. “Dare I tease him that I’ve never seen a kid develop as much as I’ve seen Cavan. He’s got his feet on the ground; all this extra hype about him. It doesn’t go to his head, and I think that’s the fantastic thing about him. It’s what also allows him to come into our environment and still be cool and bold,” he added.
Whatever hype Cavan Sullivan may be getting, he’s managed to keep his head down. In February, he made his professional debut in a game for the Philadephia Union’s second team. He came off the bench to assist his teammate, who scored the winner.
When will Cavan Sullivan join Manchester City?
Manchester City have continued their tradition of importing some of the world’s brightest youngsters into their academy with the signing of 14-year-old American Cavan Sullivan, who currently plays for the Philadelphia Union II in the MLS Developmental League. A deal was agreed with the MLS club back in March, and reports claim that the deal will mostly depend on add-ons and a sell-on clause.
Despite sealing the deal for the 14-year-old, Sullivan may not join Manchester City until 18. The initial plan was to send him to a City Football Group-affiliated club when he turns 16. Still, the new plan is for Cavan Sullivan to continue his development in the United States, with his performance in the country determining what City will do with him in the next few years.
City might still send him to Belgium when he turns 16 to gain more European experience and prepare for the dream of his life by the time he turns 18. City are also in pursuit of 20-year-old Johan Bakayoko, whom they could bring in from PSV this summer.
