Manchester City have snapped up another young talent by inserting a clause in a Major League Soccer starlet’s contract.
14-year-old Cavan Sullivan has signed the largest homegrown contract in MLS history with Philadelphia Union.
The financial details have not been disclosed.
According to ESPN, Philadelphia were not authorised to discuss details about the built-in transfer to Man City.
However, Sullivan confirmed Man City’s involvement when discussing his deal with Philadelphia.
His brother, 20-year-old Quinn, has been a first-team Philadelphia player since 2021.
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“I’ve always wanted to start my career here because this is my home and I’ve always been on the sidelines of Quinn’s games and I’ve been in and around the facility when my uncle worked here,” Sullivan told ESPN.
“So, I’ve always been inspired and to play in front of this culture and these fans are special.
“But I also think the collaboration between the Union and the City Group was — I think that did it for me. I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team.
“For them [Philadelphia and Man City] to come together and agree on something – I sat with my family and my agents and we decided that it was the best plan.”
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Sullivan is the fifth-youngest player to a sign a first-team contract in MLS history.
If he makes his debut before July 29 he will beat one-time prodigy Freddy Adu’s record of being the youngest player to appear in the MLS.
Adu was 14 years and 306 days when he made his debut for DC United in 2004.
However, sealing a big money move to Benfica at 18 spelt the downfall of his career. After numerous underwhelming loans, Adu then signed for Philadelphia for two years.
His career wound down until 2021, with his last club being Swedish club Osterlen FF.