The hype around an American sensation has grown, which is exciting for Manchester City

With the performances that Cavan Sullivan has put in for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS in 2026, hype is building ahead of his arrival at Manchester City. Sullivan’s performances have established him as one of the most exciting young prospects in world football. The American attacking midfielder is 17 years of age and has long been regarded as a future star of the game. Fortunately, Manchester City secured his signing and he is set to arrive at the club when he turns 18. Recently, Cavan Sullivan earned his first international cap for the United States and also grabbed his first international goal. Hype continues to build around the young playmaker who remains set to join City despite the controversy surrounding the club.

It didn’t take long for Cavan Sullivan to make an impact for his country.

It had always been a matter of time before Cavan Sullivan earned his first call-up for his country. That arrived for the current international break. United States manager Mauricio Pochettino had no hesitation in throwing Sullivan straight into the international fold. Sullivan earned his first international cap in the United States 4-1 friendly win over Peru. That cap will be the first of many for the young playmaker.

Cavan Sullivan’s crowning moment came in the United States’ 3-0 win over Mexico in their most recent friendly. In the 62nd minute of the match, Sullivan seized on an error by Mexican keeper Raul Rangel. The Mexican keeper inexplicably gave away possession 35 yards from goal. Sullivan seized on the opportunity presented to him and produced a magical chip from 35 yards out to open his international account. Sullivan’s goal in itself was class. However, it was the icing on the cake, which was a fine individual display from the 17-year-old.

In quotes relayed by TalkSport, United States manager Mauricio Pochettino had high praise for Cavan Sullivan as a player and the hard work he puts in. He also praised the fight that the prodigiously talented young playmaker possesses. Pochettino explained: “I think he’s a talented player with enormous quality, but with a very good balance, in possession and out of possession. He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior. It’s difficult to find this type of player with tremendous quality with the ball in possession.”

“And then I think Cavan showed in possession with the ball on the field [and] when he needs to be chasing people and recover the ball.”

“That is my impression after maybe three weeks together. And that is unbelievable, to have a player like this.”

For now, the plan remains set for Cavan Sullivan to arrive at Manchester City which is an exciting prospect.

Cavan Sullivan is set to arrive at Manchester City in January 2028, according to a report from Tom Bogert for The Athletic. Bogert further reports that despite the uncertainty surrounding City’s future after the 115 verdict, the plan for Sullivan to arrive at the Etihad has not changed.

Looking at the waves that Cavan Sullivan is making in the MLS and at the international level with the United States, he may be the most exciting youth arrival at the Etihad for some time. Cavan Sullivan is fulfilling his undoubted potential at a rate of knots. He has been carefully managed by the Philadelphia Union before being unleashed in 2026. Sullivan has become one of the top attacking players in the MLS. Cavan Sullivan fully deserves his international call-up and quickly showed that he belongs at that level.

All of this is exciting for Manchester City. One of the world’s top young players will land at the Etihad in January 2028. There is no telling what type of player Cavan Sullivan will be by that stage. But judging by the steps he has already taken, he may be further ahead in his development than anticipated. That is a tantalizing prsopect to consider for Manchester City who will have a plan in place to ensure that Sullivan becomes the player he looks destined to be.