PUP GUARDIOLA
Meet the 14-year-old who became the youngest player in America’s MLS... but has his heart set on joining City
CAVAN SULLIVAN became the youngest player in Major League Soccer – just three years before a dream move to Manchester City.
At 14 years and 293 days, Philadelphia Union’s Sullivan this week broke the record set by Freddy Adu, who was 14 years and 306 days when he made his debut for DC United in 2004.
History was made by midfielder Sullivan when he came on as an 85th-minute sub in Philadelphia’s 5-1 victory over New England Revolution at Subaru Park yesterday.
Sullivan – eligible to play for both the US and Germany – joined Philadelphia in May, with the understanding that the teenager will move to the Premier League champions when he turns 18.
In May, Sullivan signed a landmark deal in MLS history with the Union, and the agreement is understood to contain a clause stipulating his move to City in 2027.
But the only confirmation of the supposed deal came from Sullivan, who said City are “every kid’s dream team” and said he wants to be playing for them by the time he turns 18.
“I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team,” said Sullivan.
“For 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.
“I guess my goal is just to become a regular player for Philadelphia within the next two years. And then after that I would hope to be a starter. I guess that’s from the 16 to 18 age window. And then, right when I’m 18, I hope to be at the level of the Man City first team. “This is just the start. I am really happy to have done this but it is honestly the first box checked off. But I know it’s all about where you finish, not where you start.”
Union manager Jim Curtin said Sullivan’s potential is such that the teenage prodigy has the ability to single-handedly change the face of football in the US. “The sky’s the limit,” said Curtin. “He’s a generational talent, one who can really change the game by himself.
“When we’re at training there are moments when he does something and you think: ‘Okay, I can’t teach that’. That’s something ingrained in a young kid whose talent is elite.’’
Sullivan’s brother Quinn, 20, also plays for Philadelphia Union and was on the scoresheet in the win, with the younger sibling admitting it was a day the family will never forget. Asked about his brother’s goal, scored shortly before he came on, Sullivan said: “It was absolute chaos. Awesome goal from him, great finish.
“The combo of his goal and me coming on as a sub was complete anarchy. Honestly, it was one of the loudest things I have ever heard. The stadium was electric.”
Former football wonderkid Adu (left), now 35 and retired, said: “Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today.
“That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it.
“Well done and good luck, my man.”
‘When I’m 18 I hope to be at the level of the Man City first team’