The Philadelphia Union has officially signed the youngest player in franchise history.
Cavan Sullivan has signed an MLS-record home country contract with the club, Philadelphia announced Thursday. The 14-year-old's contract runs through the 2028 MLS season.
It is reported that Sullivan will join European powerhouse Manchester City when he turns 18. If Sullivan moves to England, the Union could receive a transfer fee of up to $5 million.
“Cavan is undoubtedly a rare and extraordinary talent. At only 14 years old, his natural skill and vision are far beyond his years,” said Philadelphia Union athletic director Ernst Tanner. Ta. “His advanced soccer IQ, combined with his ability to read plays, advance the ball and score, shows how high his ceiling is. We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with him and have no doubts about the impact he will have on the club.”
Sullivan is the younger brother of current Union first-team player Quinn, who also played for several U.S. youth national teams. He led the U.S. U-15 Men's National Team to the 2023 CONCACAF U-15 Championship, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Cavan made his professional debut with Union II in MLS NEXT Pro last March and has since appeared in two games for coach Marlon LeBlanc's side. Sullivan also played for Union's U-17 team in the GA Cup earlier this year, leading them to the trophy in the final.
“I have been watching my home team, Union, for as long as I can remember and always hoped that one day I would have the opportunity to play for my city in front of my family, friends and fans,” Sullivan said. said. “It's a dream come true to not only play for Union, but to play alongside my brother. I want to give my all to this club and help bring the hardware home. I'm grateful for this opportunity. We want to make Philadelphia proud.”
He joins Union Academy, which has produced past talent such as Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, and Paxten Aaronson, as well as current talent such as Jack McGlynn, Nate Harriel, and Quinn Sullivan. is the latest talent.
The Union have underperformed so far this MLS season, sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
