14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan.
On Thursday, the Philadephia Union announced they had signed 14-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan to the largest homegrown contract in Major League Soccer history.
The Union has also agreed to send Sullivan to English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City when he turns 18. Per Tom Bogert of The Athletic, it’s the first time a player’s first MLS contract includes this type of agreement, and Man City will pay Philadelphia up to $5M for his rights.
Sullivan, a Philadelphia native, acknowledged the agreement between the clubs sealed the deal.
“But I also think the collaboration between the Union and the City Group was — I think that did it for me,” Sullivan said via ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura. “I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team. For [Philadelphia and Man City] to come together and agree on something — I sat with my family and my agents, and we decided that it was the best plan.”
Considering his age, giving Sullivan this contract seems somewhat ludicrous. However, some believe the young phenom will thrive immediately. One Manchester City source told The Athletic, “[Sullivan] will be a first-team MLS player at 15.”
Sullivan already has an impressive resume. According to the Associated Press’ Anne Peterson, in 2023, he was named the best player at the CONCACAF under-15 championships and logged two assists in a 4-2 victory over Mexico in the final.
Sullivan is the fifth-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in league history. If he debuts before July 29, he will become the youngest player to play in MLS.
Expect him to debut before then. Per Bonagura, Union head coach Jim Curtin said, “If he’s healthy, he’ll do it.” Perhaps it’s only a matter of time before Sullivan becomes a star.
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