Cavan Sullivan’s current and future plans are reportedly finalized.
Sullivan is set to sign a homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union before joining European giants Manchester City when he turns 18-years-old, The Athletic reported Wednesday. The 14-year-old midfielder is set to earn the Union up to a $5 million transfer fee, according to the report.
Sullivan has previously been linked with Man City through 2024, as well as several European giants over the past year. However, the reigning UEFA Champions League and English Premier League winners look to have won the race for Sullivan’s signature.
Sullivan is the brother of current Union first-teamer Quinn, who has also featured for several U.S. youth national teams. Cavan made his pro debut last March with Union II in MLS NEXT Pro and since has made two appearances for Marlon LeBlanc’s squad.
Sullivan also featured for the Union’s U-17 team at the GA Cup earlier this year, leading his side to a trophy lift in the final.
In addition to his club impact, Sullivan is one of the better youth prospects in CONCACAF. He led the U.S. Under-15 boys national team to the 2023 CONCACAF U-15 Championship title and earned the Golden Ball as the best player at the tournament.
He is the latest gem in the Union academy, which has produced past talents such as Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, and Paxten Aaronson, and current talents Jack McGlynn, Nate Harriel, and Quinn Sullivan.
Wonder how long it is before he plays for the Union first team? Will he get enough MLS Next Pro minutes to get on the Concacaf U17 Championships squad?
Not directly related, but definitely MLS related regarding a new transfer coming in. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the new San Diego Football Club is closing in on a deal to get Chucky Lozano from PSV to transfer in January, 2025. The transfer fee is reportedly in the $12 million range. If nothing else, given the proximity of Tijuana and the large number of Mexican Americans in Southern California, I think this pretty much would guarantee sell outs at home for the new SDFC.
Since 2021 NL, Lozano has 4g 4a in 24 El Tri matches. He’s also missed 21 matches during that time to injury. In four seasons in Serie A he only had one season with more than 5g. Even this year for juggernaut PSV 6g 3a isn’t all that exciting. If he can stay healthy and they get some attacking help for him he can be successful, but I think he’s lost some luster even among El Tri fans.
The last time I saw him at PSV was in a CL game a few months back. He looked largely ineffective. But, he is a big name in the Mexican American community and I think that’s why he’s important because he can build support for the new franchise.
Yeah he’ll provide a little bump but I don’t think Hector Herrera brought a huge influx of Mexican fans in Houston. Even with an improved product last year they were last in attendance.