The teenager is making waves on both sides of the Atlantic and has earned attention from the world's top clubs.
What were you doing at age 14? It's safe to say it isn't what Cavan Sullivan is pulling off now. The Philadelphia Union star has been labeled as the world's best player at his age, the "diamond" of American soccer on his way to the very top level.
He's reportedly making his way to Manchester City, who have made the bold move to sign the youngster several years before he can legally drive a car. Sullivan looks set to spend the next few years of his career in the U.S., though, as he prepares for a big move abroad when he turns 18.
But what makes Sullivan so special and why is Manchester City signing him? GOAL takes a look at Sullivan, in this week's Weekly Wonderkid…
Philadelphia UnionWHAT HE'S DONE
He's just 14-years-old, but Sullivan has already built a heck of a resume in the American youth scene. The younger brother of Philadelphia Union star Quinn, Sullivan has dazzled during his brief career for both the U.S. youth teams and the Philadelphia Union's.
Most recently, Sullivan scored an equalizing goal in the U-17 Generation Adidas Cup finale, helping the Union claim the title with a win over the LA Galaxy despite being three years younger than many players on the pitch.
That run was just his latest big performance. His performances at the 2023 GA Cup as a 13-year-old saw him dominate the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid at the U-15 level. After that, all of the big clubs started swirling, and it appears Manchester City has won the race for his signature.
AdvertisementWHY HE'S HERE
It doesn't take long to spot Sullivan on the pitch. He's often the smallest player out there, which makes sense given his age. But that's not the only thing you notice.
It takes just a few seconds to see how composed he is on the ball. Despite his youth, Sullivan already has incredible vision and a nose for goal. He can beat players off the dribble, too, when he has the ball at his feet.
Notably, though, Sullivan also has confidence, but not arrogance. He believes he can be the best player on the field, and he's often right. There's no fear there, which is what makes him such an intriguing young player.
Getty ImagesWHO HE REMINDS US OF
The Freddy Adu comparisons will come immediately. Not since Adu has a player this young caught the eye of American soccer and, if Sullivan does see the field for the Union this season, he could break the ex-D.C. United star's record as the youngest player in MLS history.
The Union are taking things slowly, so that may not happen. They don't want to rush, after all.
Union head coach Jim Curtin has been full of praise when it comes to Sullivan, who he's likened to another USMNT star.
"We're from the Philadelphia area, so naturally people will make comparisons to Pulisic," Curtin told , "and I put my hand up and say, when I was in the youth academy here, people talked about Christian and I just said 'I don't know. We'll see. He's obviously, clearly, incredibly talented and 12 years old here, but there's still a long way to go.'
"I think Cavan, even more so than Chrisitian, has stood out and turned even more heads. That's maybe the nicest compliment that I can give to a young kid that's still got a ton of years ahead of him. But it's not just me saying it, right? It's every scout not just in the country, but the world, so he's got the potential to do big things."
Philadelphia Union & Getty ImagesWHAT COMES NEXT
WIth the Generation Adidas Cup complete, Sullivan is expected to join up with Philadelphia Union II going forward. The club is looking to get the midfielder professional minutes in MLS Next Pro, a big leap from the youth level.
If that goes well, who knows? Manchester City reportedly believe that Sullivan could basically complete the MLS phase of his development even before he turns 18. That's a big task, though, considering the rising level in the league.
Either way, Sullivan is one to keep an eye on going forward as he looks to lead a new generation of USMNT stars.
