‘Happy to be here’ – Pending Manchester City signing arrives at training centre for the first time | OneFootball

A pending Manchester City arrival has visited the City Football Academy for the very first time ahead of formally joining the club in the summer of 2027.

The highly anticipated arrival of Cavan Sullivan continues to build momentum, with the teenage midfielder now taking his first steps into the environment that will become home in just under two years’ time.

Having agreed to join Manchester City in a headline-grabbing deal from the Philadelphia Union last year, the 15-year-old wonder-kid is being gradually integrated into the club’s setup through a series of familiarisation visits and training schedules.

Sullivan, widely considered as one of the most exciting talents in world football at youth level, signed a pre-agreement with Manchester City in 2024 after lengthy negotiations involving a number of Europe’s elite.

His arrival in Manchester comes as part of a wider effort by the club to immerse the young American in both the footballing philosophy and the facilities that will eventually underpin his long-term development within the Etihad Stadium system.

The visit to the City Football Academy over the course of this summer gives Sullivan the opportunity to engage with coaches, observe training routines, and establish early connections ahead of his formal move in 2027 when he turns 18.

Updating his followers on Instagram, Sullivan also revealed a personal gift handed to him by Manchester City upon arriving at the Etihad Stadium for the very first time ahead of his summer training camp with the club.

The social media update certainly shows a young player excited by what lies ahead, with the visit being one of several touchpoints Manchester City have carefully planned over the coming months to ensure Sullivan’s transition to Europe is as smooth and supportive as possible.

Internally, City staff are impressed by both Sullivan’s technical qualities and his maturity off the pitch, with early feedback from scouting and youth development departments painting a picture of a player capable of handling the demands of top-level football.

While the step up from MLS football to the Premier League or some of Europe’s top divisions remains a significant one, Manchester City believe Sullivan has both the talent and mentality to make that jump.

Looking ahead, Cavan Sullivan is likely to return for further visits before his formal arrival in 2027, with City expected to continue their support network both remotely and in person through mentorship, athletic development programmes, and international exposure.

With City increasingly investing in elite youth talent from across the globe, the groundwork being laid with Cavan Sullivan sets a clear precedent for future acquisitions. The club may not only expect the American teenager to be a part of their long-term midfield rebuild but also see him as a potential commercial and cultural icon.