14-year-old Cavan Sullivan signs MLS deal that includes ‘dream’ Man City clause

Manchester City have secured another young talent by including a clause in the contract of a Major League Soccer star.

14-year-old Cavan Sullivan has signed the largest domestic contract in MLS history with Philadelphia Union.

At just 14 years old, Sullivan is committed to an even brighter future.

The financial details were not disclosed.

According to ESPN, Philadelphia was not authorized to discuss details of the planned transfer to Man City.

However, Sullivan confirmed Man City’s involvement when discussing his deal with Philadelphia.

His brother, 20-year-old Quinn, has been a first-team player for Philadelphia since 2021.

“I always wanted to start my career here because this is my home and I was always on the sidelines at Quinn’s games and I was in and around the facility when my uncle worked here,” Sullivan told ESPN.

“I’ve always been inspired to play in front of this culture and these fans are special.”

“But I also think that the collaboration between the Union and the City Group – I think that helped me. I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team.”

“For her [Philadelphia and Man City] come together and agree on something – I sat with my family and my agents and we decided it was the best plan.”

He is expected to play regularly for his hometown first team alongside his brother Quinn.

Sullivan is the fifth-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in MLS history.

If he makes his debut before July 29, he will break former prodigy Freddy Adu’s record of being the youngest player in the MLS.

Roy Keane jokingly suggests Erling Haaland has now reached “Championship level” after his controversial comparison to a “League Two player”.

Adu was 14 years and 306 days old when he made his debut for DC United in 2004.

But when he moved to Benfica for big money at the age of 18, it spelled the decline of his career. After numerous disappointing loan spells, Adu then signed with Philadelphia for two years.

His career ended in 2021, his last club was the Swedish club Österlen FF.