Midfielder Cavan Sullivan, considered one of the greatest prospects in American soccer, will take part in a training camp with Manchester City this week as part of the development plan ahead of his official arrival at the English club in 2027.
At just 15 years of age, the Philadelphia Union player is beginning his process of adapting to the Premier League environment, where he is expected to make a permanent move after reaching the age of majority.
According to information from journalist Fabrizio Romano, City considers Sullivan to be an “elite talent for the future”, and has therefore decided to integrate him early into the club’s ecosystem at the Etihad Campus, even without having signed his definitive transfer, to start blooding the youngster who is set to be one of the English team’s mainstays in a few years’ time.
Cavan Sullivan is a farmer from Illinois, United States, who has gone viral on TikTok for his videos about his life in the countryside
Sullivan signed the most important homegrown contract in MLS history with the Philadelphia Union and made his professional debut at just 14 years old in July 2024 against the New England Revolution, breaking records as the youngest player to debut in a U.S. professional league.
Since then, he has played 13 games with the first team and has had continuous participation in the MLS Next Pro.
Under the direction of new head coach Bradley Carnell, the youngster has been gradually integrated into the team. In the first 20 games of the 2025 season, he played just 51 minutes in five substitute appearances.
However, in June he took a step forward by playing 120 minutes in his first start in the U.S. Open Cup against Indy Eleven, followed by another start in the round of 16 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
On July 5, Sullivan made his first MLS start, playing 61 minutes in the 1-0 loss to Nashville SC. He became the second youngest player in league history to start a game.
Manchester City has high expectations for Cavan Sullivan
Considered a “generational talent” by former coach Jim Curtin, Sullivan has been in the media spotlight since his debut.
Curtin described him as a player who can “change a game on his own” thanks to his ability to unbalance.
His current coach, Carnell, has opted for a cautious approach. “Sometimes he gets knocked down easily, which is normal at this age. He’s still lacking physically, but he’s a very talented boy… he’s right where he needs to be,” he said after the game against Nashville.
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