Cavan Sullivan looks to be on his way to Manchester City once he turns 18Credit: Getty
Cavan Sullivan is undoubtedly one of the most exciting up-and-coming prospects in world football right now.
The 17-year-old United States international looks all but set on a move to Manchester City in 2027.
4Cavan Sullivan looks to be on his way to Manchester City once he turns 18Credit: Getty
But in the wake of the Citizens' guilty verdict on all charges of financial rule breaches in the Premier League from the 2009/10 season to 2017/18, the transfer has been put in slight jeopardy.
As City still await their fate following an appeal, with the head of the Independent Football Regulator David Kogan estimating that the final verdict of their case won't be revealed until next year, it is business as usual as far as the Sky Blues are concerned.
But depending on the punishment that is handed to the club, which could range from a points deduction to relegation, and even having their titles stripped from them, their pursuit of Sullivan could yet become more complicated.
Currently, the Philadelphia Union teenage sensation has agreed to a pre-agreement deal with City, and is set make his switch to the Premier League when he turns 18 in September next year.
Who is Cavan Sullivan?
Making his MLS debut at the age of 14, Sullivan has gone from strength-to-strength, and in 31 appearances in all competitions in the 2026 season, the mercurial midfielder has registered 10 goals and 10 assists.
His on-field performances for Philadelphia saw him awarded his first senior call-up to the USA's national team under Mauricio Pochettino, where he has since been capped on three occasions.
Scoring in the 3-0 win over Mexico on October 4, he also became the USMNT's youngest ever goalscorer, and further showcased his talent on the international stage.
His quick ascension to stardom hasn't just attracted the attention of City, though.
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In fact, several European clubs are said to be monitoring the situation and waiting in the wings should the Manchester outfit be unable to complete the deal to land the teenager.
Even Sullivan's agent Dan Segal hasn't ruled out the possibility that his client could end up somewhere else other than City.
4City are at risk of serious sanctions after being found guilty of Premier League financial rule breaches over a nine-year period which could effect Sullivan's transferCredit: Getty
4Sullivan became the USMNT's youngest ever goalscorer in OctoberCredit: Getty
"Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world. What they have built cannot be erased from history," Segal said back in September, via OneFootball.
“It is true that there is a pre-agreement with them for Sullivan, but you never know what can happen.
"We hope that they solve everything in the best possible way.”
Barcelona have been named as one potential suitor for Sullivan should he become available for transfer, per multiple reports.
LaLiga rivals Real Madrid and reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are two other clubs on a long list of those who have also had Sullivan on their radar.
Ex-USMNT legend Brad Friedel has even touted Sullivan to join one of City's title rivals should he be unable to sign with them.
4Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG are all reportedly monitoring the situation with City in case Sullivan becomes availableCredit: Getty
As it stands, though, the eight-time Premier League champions hold the advantage over anybody else, and remain in the best position to land the young star.
However, this is very much subject to change once more clarity has been provided over what the Citizens' punishment will be.
The uncertainty surrounding the club could yet make Sullivan - who is also deemed as one of the most marketable football stars - one of Europe's most intriguing transfer targets.
But only time will tell.