A future jewel for Manchester City is making quite a splash
It is still a fair way off, but precocious American attacking midfielder Cavan Sullivan is set to join Manchester City when he turns 18 in 2027. Sullivan has long been regarded as one of the most exciting young prsopects in world football for some time. Throughout the 2026 season for Philadelphia Union, Sullivan has established himself as one of the elite attacking players in the MLS. The young attacking midfielder had recently earned his first call-up to the United States national team which is a remarkable feat for a 16-year-old. Sullivan’s form for Philadelphia Union has more than warranted a national team call up and the hype is building ahead of Cavan Sullivan’s arrival at Manchester City.
Cavan Sullivan has been on a tear recently for Philadelphia Union.
The 2026 MLS Season could be categorised as the year that Cavan Sullivan came of age. In itself, that is a ridiculous statement to make about a 16-year-old player. However, the more you look at what Sullivan has achieved for the Philadelphia Union, it is hard to come up with any other conclusion.
Across this season, Sullivan has made 30 appearances in all competitions for the Philadelphia Union. He has contributed 10 goals and added 9 assists. Sullivan has predominantly played on the left or right this season. Playing out wide has allowed Sullivan to play to his strengths. Sullivan is electric with the ball at his feet. His dribbling and eye for goal is superb for such a young player. As is his ability to set up his teammates for a chance with his passing.
What is even more remarkable is that Cavan Sullivan has risen to become one of the top players in the MLS. That in itself is remarkable for a player so young. Sullivan ranks towards the top of the rankings in the MLS for dribbles attempted and completed per 90 minutes. He is also one of the best players in terms of carrying the ball into dangerous positions with the ball at his feet. Sullivan has taken the step from being a prodigious wonderkid this season to become a top player in the MLS.
Cavan Sullivan’s rise has been remarkable and he has earned his first call-up to the United States national team. That will be the first of many international call-ups for Sullivan, who will likely arrive at Manchester City as a fully fledged international.
Ahead of his arrival at Manchester City, Cavan Sullivan is coming on in leaps and bounds as a player.
Cavan Sullivan won’t arrive at Manchester City until 2027 when he turns 18. For now, he is learning he his way starring for the Philadelphia Union. Playing in the MLS against seasoned professionals has been ideal for Sullivan. He has taken to senior first team football superbly well. By the time Cavan Sullivan arrives at Manchester City, he will be used to playing against men. That should make the step up to life at City a little bit easier for him.
Cavan Sullivan has taken the MLS by storm in 2026. The supremely talented young attacking midfielder is firmly established as one of the top players in America’s top flight. Sullivan’s rise is exciting for Manchester City. The young American will join City when he turns 18 and he may be ready to make a bigger impact than first expected based on his rise this season.