Manchester City to pay huge seven-figure sum to sign 14-year-old prodigy

Manchester City will pay an initial seven-figure sum to Philadelphia Union for the transfer of 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan.

The 2009-born Sullivan had been subject to interest from both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, with the Philadelphia Union star nicknamed ‘Captain America’ by coaches and teammates.

The American will become the latest young star to join the City Football Group (CFG) network, with the teenager expected to move directly to the Etihad Stadium upon turning 18, in a record-breaking deal for an MLS club.

The 14-year-old made his professional debut last month, and has previously helped the USNMNT Under-15s to the 2023 CONCACAF Championship, where the teen was named as player of the tournament.

The Athletic revealed in March that Manchester City and Philadelphia Union had agreed a deal for the future transfer of Sullivan, with the teenager additionally signing the ‘richest homegrown deal in MLS history’ to remain Stateside until the age of 18.

The outlet now report that Manchester City are paying a seven-figure sum to land Sullivan, with the deal worth an initial £1.7 million and rising to potentially $5 million, dependent on bonuses.

Philadelphia will also retain a ‘hefty’ sell-on clause, according to The Athletic.

Sullivan is expected to move to the Etihad Stadium upon turning 18, but the teenager could join the CFG at an earlier date, should his development be deemed to have surpassed the level of the MLS.

The teen will become the latest player to move to east Manchester from the USA, following in footsteps of former men’s first-team goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and Manchester City Women’s duo Carli Lloyd and Abby Dahlkemper.