Philadelphia Union talent set to join Manchester City for pre-season training camp | OneFootball

Manchester City are set to welcome Philadelphia Union talent and incoming starlet Cavan Sullivan to the City Football Academy this week, according to new updates.

The long-term recruitment of Sullivan by officials at Manchester City from Major League Soccer is one of the most high-profile youth signings made by the Premier League giants in recent memory.

The 15-year-old midfielder has already been widely described as one of the finest young prospects in the game following performances in the United States and at youth international level. While Sullivan will not formally complete his switch to City until 2027, the club are wasting no time in immersing him into their environment at the City Football Academy.

Philadelphia Union confirmed back in May 2024 that they had reached a historic agreement with Manchester City over the teenager’s eventual transfer, having first signed Sullivan themselves to the largest homegrown contract in Major League Soccer history.

The teenager has remained grounded despite the attention, making it clear that City have always been his dream destination. “I always watch Manchester City. They’re like every kid’s dream team,” he said after signing with the Union.

He added, “For them to come together and agree on something… I sat with my family and my agents and we decided that it was the best plan.” Sullivan has since continued to impress with both club and country, earning a spot in Major League Soccer’s prestigious ‘22 Under 22’ list in October, highlighting the best emerging talent under the age of 22 across the league.

Now, according to a new update from Fabrizio Romano, Cavan Sullivan is set to fly to England this week to begin his first training camp with Manchester City, ahead of formally joining the club in 2027.

With the player still just 15-years-old, a move has been placed on hold until he turns 18-years-old for a European switch and professional contract, but the USA wonderkid will start his first steps at Manchester City this summer.

From the side of the Premier League giants, Romano details that Manchester City see Sullivan as an elite talent for the future.

Sullivan’s participation in a summer training camp will mark the beginning of a carefully structured development plan designed by Manchester City. The player will return to the United States to resume the MLS campaign with Philadelphia Union after his time in Manchester, continuing his progression while maintaining close communication with City.

The opportunity to train alongside elite-level players and coaches will offer Sullivan an invaluable early taste of the standards required. For City, this process also allows them to begin establishing a strong personal relationship with the player, both on and off the pitch.

In the years to come, all eyes will be on Cavan Sullivan’s progress in MLS and with the U.S. youth national teams. But among supporters, there is already quiet confidence that the club have secured one of the standout players of the next generation.