Manchester City agree deal to sign US teenage superstar – transfer includes ‘richest deal in MLS history’ | OneFootball

Manchester City and Philadelphia Union have reached an agreement for the transfer of 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan.

The teenager will become the latest young prodigy to join the City Football Group (CFG) network, with the American expected to move directly to the Etihad Stadium upon turning 18, although Sullivan could make an earlier move to one of the CFG’s 13 clubs globally.

The City Football Group currently consists of 13 clubs; including Manchester City in the Premier League, Girona in La Liga and New York City FC in the MLS, as well as a number of others teams across Europe, South America and Asia.

Sullivan will become the latest player to move to east Manchester from the USA, following in footsteps of former men’s first-team goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and Manchester City Women’s duo Carli Lloyd and Abby Dahlkemper.

The 2009-born wonder-kid had been subject to interest from both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, with the Philadelphia Union star nicknamed ‘Captain America’ by coaches and teammates.

The 14-year-old made his professional debut earlier this month, and has previously helped the USNMNT Under-15s to 2023 CONCACAF Championship, where the teen was named as player of the tournament.

The Athletic report that Manchester City and Philadelphia Union have agreed a deal for the future transfer of Sullivan, with the player additionally signing the ‘richest homegrown deal in MLS history’ to remain Stateside until the age of 18.

Sullivan will move to the Etihad Stadium upon turning 18, with the deal reportedly ‘heavy on add-ons’ and includes a future sell-on clause.

The agreement also includes the potential for the teenager to join the CFG at an earlier date, should his development be deemed to have surpassed the level of the MLS.

Sullivan will have the chance to potentially see his future club this summer, when Manchester City travel to the United States for pre-season, with friendlies against Celtic, Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea all scheduled.

The teen will have the chance to see Pep Guardiola’s side again in 2025, when the Blues compete in the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in America.