The Philadelphia Union have signed 14-year-old talent Cavan Sullivan to a professional contract with the player expected to join Manchester City when he turns 18.
Academy product Sullivan already plays for Union’s reserve team, but the new contract will allow him to play in Major League Soccer and other competitions for the first team.
Sullivan, a United States under-15 international, has attracted interest from several high-profile foreign clubs.
Premier League clubs are not allowed to sign foreign players until they are 18, so Sullivan must remain in Philadelphia until he reaches that age in September 2027.
“The collaboration between Union and City Group was — I think (the thing) that did it for me,” Sullivan told ESPN.
“I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team. For them to come together and agree on something – I sat down with my family and my agents and we decided it was the best plan.”
Sullivan’s older brother Quinn plays for Union’s first team and two other brothers, Ronan and Declan, are in the club’s youth academy.
“For as long as I can remember, I have followed my home team, the Union, and I hope that one day I will have the chance to play for my city in front of my family, friends and fans,” Sullivan said in the club’s release.
“Being able to not only play for Union, but being able to play with my brother is a dream come true. I will give everything I have for this club and hope to help bring home some hardware. and I hope to make Philadelphia proud.”
Union manager Jim Curtin, speaking at a press conference, declined to discuss when the player would make his first-team debut.
The youngest player to take the field in MLS was Freddy Adu, who made his MLS debut at the age of 14 years and 306 days in 2004.
“Cavan is 14 years old. His job here will be to be a child, play and reach his full potential. Our job here is to create an environment where we can thrive,” Curtin said.
“Cavan is a generational talent. That’s not just the opinion of the Philadelphia Union. That’s happening globally through scouts and clubs around the world.”
Sullivan struck a slightly different tone, however, noting that there is still a lot of development ahead.
“To be honest, nothing has happened yet and the work starts now. I still have a lot to do,” she said.
“My main goal is to win the MLS Cup, so the development starts now. It feels good, but there is still a lot of work to do on my part and a lot of room to grow.”
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