Cavan Sullivan will link up with Manchester City once he turns 18, with the USMNT hopeful being tipped to head out of the Etihad Stadium on a two-year European loan immediately after a move to England is completed. The American wonderkid is just 16 years of age, but Tab Ramos has told GOAL what the long-term future could look like for the hottest of prospects.
Sullivan created history in July 2024, when he made his competitive debut with the Philadelphia Union at the age of 14 years and 293 days. He became the youngest debutant in MLS history, beating Freddy Adu’s record, and has continued to play in senior games thereafter.
It did not take long for prominent European clubs to see his potential, with Premier League giants City moving quickly to ensure that they will benefit from any future progress.
An exciting challenge at the Etihad will not be taken on for another 18 months, with Sullivan celebrating a landmark birthday in September 2027, but there is plenty for him to work on prior to that – both domestically and as an U18 international with the United States.
Quizzed on what the next step looks like for Sullivan, in what is shaping up to be a big year for the youngster, former USMNT star Ramos – speaking in association with bbccharterreview.org.uk – told GOAL: “I think this is another wait and see, where we don’t set the expectations too high. We need to let the player develop. He’s a very smart player. Let’s see if he gets a little bit stronger over the next year-and-a-half. Get a bit stronger and adapt to playing in a league where the game is a lot faster and where people control the ball better. I’d like to see what happens with Cavan Sullivan because I think it’s going to take a little time.”
Leaving his MLS comfort zone and heading to Manchester will be a big jump for Philadelphia native Sullivan. He has, however, cleared every hurdle placed in his path so far and is a confident character that will never be found lacking in self belief.
Pressed on whether the teenager will be ready for City at 18 years of age, Ramos – who has previously coached in the United States’ youth ranks – added: “Do I expect him to be ready for Man City at 18? I think it’s a bit unfair to say that because what player would be ready at 18 to step into Man City? It’s difficult. I’d have to say, we have to wait and see.”
With the expectation being that Sullivan – who has already taken in the odd visit to England – will not be absorbed straight into City’s first-team squad, Ramos said of how the Blues could help a star of the future to settle in European football: “At this point it would be pure speculation because we are looking two years down the road. If I were to look two years down the road and assess what happens with young players and see the level where he is at, the physicality of the game in England, if I had to predict, I’d have to say that he signs for Man City and goes and plays in Holland for a couple of years.”
