Cavan Sullivan’s planned move to Manchester City remains unchanged despite the club’s ongoing legal uncertainty, with the American teenager still expected to join when he turns 18.
Sources familiar with the situation have told The Athletic that Sullivan’s agreement to move from Philadelphia Union in January 2028 remains valid. The midfielder is currently concentrating on his performances for Philadelphia and the US national team.
The development comes after an independent Premier League commission released a report this week upholding all but one of the 115 charges against Manchester City for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Manchester City has confirmed it will appeal the ruling. The commission did not make a decision on any punishment for the club, meaning the case could continue for some time.
Sullivan’s development plan was always due to be reviewed closer to the proposed move. Manchester City and those around the player will assess whether he is ready to join the club immediately or whether a loan move would provide him with more regular first-team football.
Any potential sanctions against Manchester City would be considered as part of that discussion. However, with the legal process unresolved, there has been no change to Sullivan’s situation.
The 17-year-old has made a significant impact for Philadelphia Union. He made his senior US national team debut last weekend, becoming the youngest USMNT starter this century, and was named MLS Player of the Month for September. He is the youngest player in league history to win the award.
Sullivan has excelled since MLS resumed after the World Cup break this summer and has played a key role in Philadelphia Union’s unexpected mid-season revival. The club are unbeaten in 12 matches, recording 10 wins and two draws.
He has scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 1,450 minutes of league football, contributing a goal or assist every 76 minutes on average.
The agreement means Sullivan will remain with Philadelphia Union until January 2028, the first transfer window after he turns 18 in September 2027. He has just turned 17 this week.
Although Sullivan would be eligible to move to an EU league when he turns 16, he cannot join an English club until he is 18. If Manchester City decided that his development would be better served by a move to Europe this winter or next summer, Philadelphia Union would have to agree and receive additional compensation. It is considered unlikely that the MLS club would approve an early departure.
Manchester City agreed to sign Sullivan when he was 14, in a deal negotiated alongside his first contract with Philadelphia Union. The player wanted to begin his professional career at the club he supported as a child, where his brother Quinn currently plays.
Philadelphia Union and Manchester City remain in regular contact about Sullivan’s progress. Sources say the teenager’s performances, which are better than those of any player his age in league history, mean the arrangement is progressing smoothly.