At just 15 years old, Norristown native Cavan Sullivan is already proving he belongs on the global stage, writes Ben Steiner for Sports Illustrated.
The young phenom is under contract with the Philadelphia Union, but recently joined Manchester City’s U-21 squad for summer training. There, he wasted no time making headlines.
In his first match on English soil, Sullivan scored a goal during a 16-minute appearance against Buxton FC. Despite a 3-2 loss, the midfielder impressed with the poise and sharpness of someone with many more years of experience.
Sullivan isn’t expected to officially join Manchester City until 2027 when he turns 18 as per FIFA’s overseas transfer rules. However, this early stint is a valuable taste of what’s to come. His landmark contract with the Union, the richest homegrown deal in league history, included a built-in path to the Premier League giant.
This season, Sullivan has made eight MLS appearances and notched an assist, while also tallying five goals and an assist in nine outings with Union II. He missed Saturday’s MLS match against Colorado while abroad. He will return in time to be eligible for Philadelphia’s August 9 game against Toronto.
Learn more about Cavan Sullivan’s trip from Norristown to Manchester in Sports Illustrated.
