The future of the USMNT is already beginning to circle around one name. At 15 years old, Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan is making headlines not just for what he's accomplishing on the pitch at the youth level but for what's taking place behind it as well. Manchester City has come out publicly with their interest, and according to reporter Fabrizio Romano, this partnership is anything but normal.
The English club plans to have Sullivan in for an initial integration session sooner this year. He'll be joining parts of City's training sessions, a great sign that the club is highly invested in his development.
His final transfer, however, can only happen when he turns 18 years old, according to FIFA regulations that cap international transfers of minors under normal circumstances. Sullivan will remain with the Philadelphia Union for the meantime, under close scrutiny by one of the biggest clubs in international soccer.
Traveling to Manchester is becoming more realistic
Cavan will be 16 in September. After that, each month will be counted as he prepares for what is to come. This early exposure to City's culture is a sign that the club is operating on a gradual modus operandi, acculturating him to their training program, coaches, and day-to-day routine at the elite level.
Few American prospects have ever navigated a transition like this. Rather than sitting around until he's old enough to begin anew in Europe, Sullivan is being afforded an opportunity to gradually acclimatize himself to the expectations and way of life at the club. That may make the transition easier and accelerate his development when the moment at last arrives. It also indicates that Manchester City believes him to be a high-level talent who deserves the proper pathway.
First few minutes in MLS
Sullivan started to see minutes with Philadelphia's first team during 2024. He came on as a sub in a number of matches, part of a gradual release. The coaching staff is not rushing him. Their plan is to give him controlled minutes, spacing out the introduction into the league.
So far this season, he's faced DC United and Columbus Crew, and started for the first time against Nashville SC. He played 61 minutes and received a yellow card. He's not directly contributing to the scoreboard yet, though. That's to be anticipated. No one's looking for a 15-year-old kid to overwhelm MLS games. At this juncture, it's all about developing experience and laying the groundwork.