The MLS has a new teenage star after Cavan Sullivan made his debut at the age of 14 for Philadelphia Union.
Sullivan came on for Philadelphia Union in the 85th minute in a 5-1 win over New England Revolution at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania on Wednesday.
At 14 years and 293 days, he just about beat the record for the youngest player in MLS history, which was set by Freddy Adu in 2004 at the age of 14 years and 306 days when he played for DC United.
And the once-renowned prodigal talent has given his blessing to Sullivan, knowing all about the perils of being labelled an up-and-coming wonderkid.
“Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut today. That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man,” he wrote on social media.
Breaking Adu’s record will no doubt see comparisons made between the two.
Adu was tipped to become ‘the next Pele’ but never lived up to his reputation, instead becoming something of a journeyman playing for 15 clubs in nine different countries including Serbia, Finland and Brazil.
Jamie O’Hara even tried to sign him while he was Billericay manager, but could not get him a work permit.
With a prospective move to Manchester City on the way, the Premier League champions will be keeping a close eye on the youngster.
In May, the teenager penned the most expensive homegrown deal in MLS history when he signed a first-team contract with Philadelphia Union.
Part of the deal includes a clause in his contract that allows City to sign him but they will have to wait, with a transfer arranged when Sullivan turns 18 – in 2028.
However, there is a chance that the American could play in Europe before then at the age of 16, which is not allowed in England as foreign players must be 18.
But City’s sister clubs including Girona, Lommel and Troyes could all theoretically ‘sign’ the player and allow him to develop there.
Nevertheless, the midfielder is already making a huge impression in the United States, where many are tipping him to become a superstar.
Before he made his debut for Union, club coach Jim Curtin said: “The sky’s the limit.
“He’s a generational talent, one who can really change the game by himself.”
In May, Sullivan said: “The collaboration between the Union and the City Group was – that did it for me. I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team.
“For [Philadelphia and Man City] to come together and agree on something – I sat with my family and my agents and we decided that it was the best plan.”
Ethan Nwanari holds the record for the youngest player to appear in the Premier League, at 15 years and 181 days, for Arsenal in 2022.
News Summary:
- Incoming Man City star just broke long-standing Freddy Adu record that stood for 20 years
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