Christian Pulisic remains the undisputed leader of the United States Men’s National Team and the most influential player of the current USMNT generation. However, looking ahead, the name generating the most excitement among American fans is Cavan Sullivan—the highly touted Philadelphia Union prospect set to join Manchester City in mid-2027.
With a clear desire to understand the inner workings of the Premier League giants, Sullivan will travel to England for an early experience with the club.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 15-year-old is expected to take part in part of Manchester City’s training camp—a clear sign of his commitment to developing as a top-level player.
It’s important to note that Sullivan must wait until he turns 18 to officially complete his move to Manchester City, in accordance with FIFA regulations, which prohibit international transfers of minors except under very specific circumstances. The Philadelphia Union academy product turns 16 this September, meaning the countdown to his City debut is officially on.
Manchester City clearly view Sullivan as a future elite talent, and this initial exposure to their environment should prove invaluable. His development with Philadelphia continues to progress well, and he remains a standout in the United States youth system.
Sullivan made his long-anticipated MLS debut during the 2024 season, coming on as a late substitute in several matches for the Subaru Park-based club. Head coach Bradley Carnell has since made it a priority to increase his minutes in 2025. The South African manager handed him meaningful playing time in matches against D.C. United (3–0 win) and Columbus Crew (1–1 draw).
In early July, Sullivan earned his first MLS start in a match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park. Though he played 61 minutes and received a yellow card, he wasn’t able to make a significant impact on the game. Still, his trajectory remains promising. During the June FIFA international window, he featured in all three USA U-17 friendlies, scoring a goal against Japan and showcasing the talent that continues to set him apart.