The Philadelphia Union have officially made their youngest signing in franchise history.
Cavan Sullivan signed an MLS-record homegrown contract with the club, Philadelphia announced Thursday. The 14-year-old’s contract will run through the 2028 MLS season.
Sullivan will then reportedly join European giants Manchester City when he turns 18-years-old. The Union could receive up to a $5 million transfer fee for Sullivan once he makes the transfer to England.
“Cavan is undeniably a rare and extraordinary talent. At just 14-years-old his natural skill and vision are far beyond his years,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “His advanced soccer IQ, paired with his ability to read plays, advance the ball, and score, show just how high his ceiling will be.
“We are incredibly pleased to have come to an agreement to have Cavan join the Union on his first professional contract and have no doubt on the impact he will make with the club,” Tanner added.
Sullivan is the brother of current Union first-teamer Quinn, who has also featured for several U.S. youth national teams. He led the U.S. Under-15 boys national team to a CONCACAF U-15 Championship in 2023, earning him the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament.
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, registering one assist. 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.
“I’ve been watching my home team, the Union, for as long as I remember and hoped that one day I’d get the chance to play for my city in front of my family, friends, and fans,” said Sullivan. “Being able to not only play for the Union but to be able to play with my brother is a dream come true. I will give everything I have to this club and hope to help bring home some hardware. I’m thankful for the opportunity and hope to make Philadelphia proud.”
“We’re not afraid to put Cavan on the field when he’s ready,” head coach Jim Curtin said in a press conference. “He’ll get on the field on merit. I’ll just say it publicly, [that day is] a lot closer than people realize.”
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.
Jack De Vries and Anthony Fontana are also two former homegrown players that have since moved to Europe in their club careers.
The Union have underachieved so far this MLS season, sitting eight in the Eastern Conference.
