Cavan Sullivan: Philadelphia teen earns USA debut as Man City move awaits
September 27, 2026 15:40
Cavan Sullivan started for the United States in a 4-1 friendly win over Peru, becoming the fourth youngest player to represent the national team at 16 years and 363 days. The Philadelphia Union midfielder first appeared in MLS aged 14 and has been the subject of a future move to Manchester City — with a little over a year to go before he can officially join the English club.
FORM, STATS AND ROLE
Since the World Cup break Sullivan has emerged as a key figure for Philadelphia. He has seven goals and five assists in MLS this season, with six goals and four assists coming during August and September. He has scored six goals in his past six matches and has been included in the league's Team of the Matchday seven times, including the last three consecutive matchdays.
Sullivan has featured mainly on the right side of an attacking midfield role but has freedom to drift centrally and cut inside on his stronger left foot. Observers have noted his all-round game and relative strength for his age. Philadelphia's run since the World Cup — unbeaten in 11 games, winning nine — has coincided with Sullivan's first sustained spell of starts after the 2026 MLS season resumed, following a difficult opening stretch in which the team won once in 15.
EXTERNAL VIEWS
Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philadelphia Inquirer told the BBC: "So it's no surprise that the country hopes for a star in men's soccer to match the many it has had in women's soccer." He added: "I'm not going to say today that Cavan Sullivan is going to be that player. It's too early to know for certain..."
Philadelphia interim coach Ryan Richter praised the youngster's mentality, saying: "His outstanding quality is the mentality that he has, and the way that he approaches every game and every day, and that's what pushes him to get better and better."
OFF-FIELD NOTE
Sullivan's international debut came the day after Manchester City were found guilty of breaching the majority of 115 financial rules they were accused of; the club are expected to appeal.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Sullivan turns 17 this month. He is currently contracted to Philadelphia and can only join Manchester City once the specified waiting period elapses — a little over a year from now.