Manchester City Set to Welcome Cavan Sullivan for Training Ahead of 2027 Move

Young American soccer star Cavan Sullivan will begin his journey with Manchester City by joining training in England this week. While Sullivan is just 15 years old and cannot officially sign until 2027, the club sees him as a major future prospect.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player ever to feature in Major League Soccer when he made his debut for the Philadelphia Union at only 14 years old. Now 15, he is making headlines once again as he prepares to spend part of his summer training with Manchester City. Sullivan made his MLS bow in July 2024 and has gone on to feature multiple times for the Union. His record deal with Philadelphia was the biggest ‘homegrown contract’ in MLS history and contains a straightforward clause that paves the way for his eventual move to Manchester City when he turns 18 in 2027.

CAVAN SULLIVAN’S RISE AND CITY’S PLANS

Sullivan comes from a soccer-loving family as he was raised by a father and brother who both played the sport professionally. His on-field exploits have set him apart from his peers, with some pundits dubbing him one of the best young prospects on the planet. During the 2025 MLS season, Sullivan has featured off the bench in three matches. Manchester City chiefs consider him an elite talent and will closely track his progress in the next two years before he completes a switch to England. With Philadelphia Union having close links to City, it is expected that they will make his transition to life in England smooth and seamless.

LOOKING AHEAD FOR CLUB AND PLAYER

Sullivan will continue to turn out for the Union, who are currently in the mix for a strong finish in the MLS Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Manchester City remain focused on the Premier League title as well as continental success after a positive start to 2025 that sees them among the league’s pacesetters. City’s next game will see them face Wolves for the matchday 1 of the new season of the Premier League, where the Citizens will tyr to go after the title after finishing 3rd last season. Sullivan’s development will be closely watched by fans and staff, with the official transfer set to take place in 2027 when he turns 18.