The Historic 2027 Man City ‘Transfer’ That’s Going Unnoticed
At just 14 years old, Cavan Sullivan claims a ‘collaboration’ with Manchester City, linked to his contract with the Philadelphia Union.
Midfielder Cavan Sullivan has caught attention with his performances for Philadelphia Union II, leading to his debut for the first team, making him the youngest player in US sports across soccer, football, hockey, baseball, and basketball.
Sullivan shattered the MLS record on Thursday, becoming the youngest ever debutant at just 14. Many speculate that he will join Manchester City in 2027, although no official confirmation has been made.
Sullivan signed professional terms with Philadelphia Union earlier this year. He entered the game against the New England Revolution in the 85th minute, breaking Freddy Adu’s 20-year record. He is now the youngest North American player in a major team sport.
Manchester City has shown interest in Sullivan. After signing his professional contract, Sullivan mentioned a ‘collaboration’ between Philadelphia Union and the City Football Group, with reports suggesting a move to City when he turns 18 in September 2027.
Though there are reports of an upcoming transfer, the closest to an official statement comes from Sullivan, who mentioned a ‘collaboration’ rather than a definitive signing.
In May, Sullivan told ESPN, “The collaboration between the Union and the City Group… I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team. For them [Philadelphia and 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.
“My goal is to become a regular player [for Philadelphia] within the next two years. And then I hope to be a starter from 16 to 18. Right when I’m 18, I hope to be at the level of the Man City first team.”
His father remarked, “I think he’s a pretty mature kid. We know there will be bumps along the way. That’s part of why this collaboration between the Union and City Group is so important because he really does have a safety net here.”
Union coach Jim Curtin said Sullivan earned his debut opportunity, stating, “He’ll get that opportunity now and the next step is working hard to get your first minutes. Sometimes that might be one minute, 15 minutes, or 90 minutes.
“You have to earn it and Cavan understands that. There are still moments in training where he does something where you go, ‘Okay, I can’t teach that. That’s ingrained in a young kid where his talent is elite.'”
Curtin previously called Sullivan a ‘generational talent,’ promoting him after impressive performances for the Union’s second team. When Sullivan signed his deal in May, Philadelphia Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said, “Cavan is undeniably a rare and extraordinary talent. At just 14 years old, his natural skill and vision are far beyond his years.
“His advanced soccer IQ, ability to read plays, advance the ball, and score show just how high his ceiling will be. We are incredibly pleased to have come to an agreement to have Cavan join the Union on his first professional contract and have no doubt about the impact he will make with the club.”
After Sullivan broke the MLS record on Thursday, former record-holder Freddy Adu tweeted, “Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today. That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck, my man.”
Whether Sullivan ends up at City or not, he is undoubtedly one to watch in the future and believes he could be ready for City in
as little as three years.
