The 14-year-old prodigy from the United States has taken the first step towards finishing at Manchester City

At 14 years old, Cavan Sullivan He received names like prodigy, phenomenon or child prodigy, but there is no doubt that he has talent. On Thursday, the Philadelphia Union formally announced that he has signed a contract with his youth player, who will end up signing for City of Manchester when I’m 18

“I don’t usually listen to what people call me or what they say about me. That’s all I think about myself,” he said. Sullivan. “I don’t really listen to anyone, good or bad. So it doesn’t affect me at all.” The deal, which has long been rumored – is said to be the richest youth academy signing in the history of Major League Socceralthough the details have not been released -, allowed the Union continues to develop Sullivan and benefit for a short time from his skill, before taking advantage when he is likely to go abroad, to Premier League.

Sullivan He is considered one of the best young players in the USA. Last April, in a match between the US under-15 team and England argued in Spain, scored both goals in a 2-2 draw that the Americans won in a penalty shootout. He had a pair of assists in the 4-2 win over Mexico Eventually.

The coach of Union, Jim Curtinrecently rated Sullivan of “special talent, the best talent not only in this country, but in the world. Sullivan He has made his professional debut, coming off the bench for the NEXT team of MLS of Union last month and getting an assist on the goal to win the game.

The teenager hopes to debut in the absolute team of Union this year. If he does, he will go with his brother, Quinnanother academy product who has played in the team since 2021.

Sullivan (14 years, 224 days) is the fifth youngest player to sign a first team contract in the history of MLS.

He may be the youngest to debut

If you play with him Union before July 29, he would become the youngest player to appear in a match. Freddy Adu He was 14 years and 306 days when he debuted on DC United in 2004. “I think Jim Curtin became a carrying instrument They are digging here, if I have to be honest,” his father declared, Brendan Sullivan. “He called us, got in touch with us and said, ‘Look, I think he can play for me right away.’ Sullivannatural Philadelphia, He is the youngest of four siblings. Quinn20 years old, the oldest.

Brendan Sullivan played professionally at A-League, which ended up being the First Division of USLa step below the MLS. his mother, Heike, played at Penn. His grandfather Larry he coached at Villanova from 1991 to 2007. “I think I thought, ‘This is happening.’ ” explained Sullivan.

He has a German passport

But he has a German passport that could allow him to move to Europe and play for teams affiliated with city -As the Girona in Spain or the Palermo in Italy – when he turns 16. Because of the cooperation agreement on transfers to Manchester City, the agreement of Sullivan is unusual.

Indicates that the club Premier League He is confident that the Union will produce an elite player. In many ways he is the typical teenager, albeit a brilliant one. He jokes: “I’m a pretty boring guy, really.” He’s a pretty level-headed kid,” his mother says. “He’s really doing it for himself. We definitely helped him keep his feet on the ground, but I think he has, and I think we have to give him a lot of credit for that.”