Teen Sensation Cavan Sullivan, 15, Strikes Gold on Manchester City Debut

Rising American talent Cavan Sullivan has garnered significant recognition as MLS's youngest-ever player, and he demonstrated his abilities with Manchester City this Saturday.

The 15-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder continues his current campaign in MLS and MLS Next Pro, though he's destined for Manchester City upon reaching 18 years of age. This week, he traveled to England for a summer training session with the club's U-21 squad, representing his inaugural experience with their academy system.

His influence was immediate, as he leveraged his professional MLS experience in the English setting. During a 16-minute substitute appearance against Buxton, Sullivan scored a goal in what concluded as a 3–2 defeat.

Since Sullivan remains several years from his permanent relocation to Manchester, this summer experience provides invaluable development alongside his regular playing time in MLS and MLS Next Pro competitions.

Sullivan inked MLS's most lucrative homegrown contract in 2024, featuring provisions for his Manchester City transition at 18, which represents FIFA's minimum age requirement for international transfers.

Throughout this MLS campaign, Sullivan has featured in eight matches with one assist to his name, while contributing nine appearances in MLS Next Pro with five goals and one assist.

Despite missing Philadelphia Union's MLS fixture against Colorado Rapids on Saturday, he'll return stateside and remain eligible for their upcoming MLS encounter on Aug. 9 versus Toronto FC.