Cavan Sullivan is impressingImago

United States jewel could be Man City's route back to the top as footage emerges

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Published on:

30 Sep 2026, 4:19 pm

Cavan Sullivan is arguably one of the most promising players the United States has ever produced and could be a key part of Manchester City's future.

The Citizens agreed a deal for the 17-year-old in 2024, after he had signed the largest homegrown contract in MLS history with Philadelphia Union at the age of 14.

The electric winger became the fourth-youngest ever player to represent the United States last week and is enjoying a staggeringly good campaign, having scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 30 games across all competitions so far.

Sullivan is in line to join Man City next summer when he turns 18, but it is unclear what state he will arrive to see the club in.

The Citizens were found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules 114 times over a nine-year period and are set to be hit with sanctions, depending on the success of their appeal.

Sullivan may return to see the club in the Championship or even lower, which could provide him with the perfect opportunity to adapt.

🚨🇺🇸 Cavan Sullivan’s agents have denied all reports of any interview discussing the player’s future with new clubs keen on signing him.

Sullivan was signed by City Group for the long term and plans have not changed.

Interview stated as ‘fabrication’ as @tombogert reports. pic.twitter.com/SVqtRKCLlX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2026

Impressive Cavan Sullivan footage emerges

The United States beat Chile 4-2 on Wednesday, with goals from Sebastian Berhalter, Julian Hall, Chris Richards and Mathis Albert securing victory in St Louis.

But it was Sullivan's impressive seven-minute cameo that, in some ways, captured most of the attention.

Picking the ball up outside of his own box, the winger knocked it past one player and then another, showing devastating pace to break into the opposition half.

He dribbled inside and towards the box, attempting to thread a ball through to Malik Tillman before it broke to Albert, who scored.

What a run by Cavan Sullivan 💫 pic.twitter.com/KSrXoDxuLs
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 30, 2026

In just seven minutes, Sullivan completed two successful dribbles and won two duels, further intensifying the excitement surrounding him.

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What has Sullivan said about Man City?

It would have been highly unlikely that Sullivan would have been immediately ready for the first team at Man City.

The winger most likely would have been sent on loan, but a potential relegation could see him given a chance to feature straight away and lead the charge back up the leagues.

"It's certainly exciting to pre-sign for such an amazing club and with great people," Sullivan said earlier this month.

"I have great relationships over there right now, but we keep in touch even though it's in the future."

Manchester City Football Club