USA wonderkid Cavan Sullivan scores first Manchester City goal just 16 minutes into debut | OneFootball

Manchester City’s highly-rated attacking midfield starlet Cavan Sullivan took just 16 minutes to score his first goal for the club over the weekend.

The 15-year-old, regarded as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the US, was handed his first opportunity to feature in City colours during a pre-season runout for the club’s Under-21 side.

Sullivan was introduced as a second-half substitute against National League North outfit Buxton, and it did not take long for the teenager to make an immediate impact. Sullivan’s goal arrived in just his first quarter of an hour on the pitch, offering fans a tantalising glimpse of his attacking instincts and flair in the final third.

Despite the match ending in a 3-2 defeat for Manchester City’s senior age group within their youth set-up, the focus quickly shifted to the bright cameo from the teenage American, whose involvement marks an important early milestone in his journey to joining City full-time.

The goal and performance come after City invited Sullivan to spend part of his summer training with the club, following the agreement struck with Philadelphia Union in 2024. That deal, signed when Sullivan was only 14, became the largest homegrown contract in Major League Soccer history, and includes a pre-arranged transfer to the Etihad once he turns 18.

Although the fixture against Buxton over the weekend was ultimately a pre-season exercise, Sullivan’s moment offered a reminder of the immense potential City believe they are securing. The club, known for its long-term investment in youth development, have afforded Sullivan an early taste of life in Manchester, giving him the opportunity to integrate with staff and experience the club’s elite training environment ahead of his official arrival.

There is also an increasing belief that controlled introductions to the club setup will accelerate his development even while he continues playing competitively in the United States. In Philadelphia, Sullivan remains a key part of the Union’s long-term vision, having trained with the senior squad and represented the USA at various youth levels. He is expected to resume duties following his stint in Manchester, but both clubs will be monitoring his progress closely.

For Manchester City supporters, Sullivan’s goal is an early indication of what could be to come. The midfielder has already spoken of his admiration for the club, stating after signing his MLS deal, “I always watch Manchester City. They’re like every kid’s dream team.”

While his official transfer to City remains two years away, performances like this suggest Cavan Sullivan will arrive with more than just promise, and may well be ready to push his way into first-team consideration sooner than expected.

City’s technical leadership will no doubt be mapping out tailored progression plan, which could involve further training spells in Manchester, continued development at Philadelphia Union, or even a potential CFG loan when the time comes.