Official: Cavan Sullivan signs largest Homegrown contract in MLS history - with special Man City transfer clause included in Philadelphia Union agreement

The teenager has officially signed a pro contract with the Philadelphia Union. The most lucrative Homegrown deal in MLS history, Sullivan is the youngest signing in club history, too.

The 14-year-old will move to Manchester City upon turning 18 in 2027 and City will pay up to $5 million (£4m/€4.6m) to acquire the now-14-year-old star, who cannot move to Europe at his current age.

As part of the deal, the Union will retain a sell-on percentage for a player widely seen as a future star for club and country.

“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 Cavan 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.”

Sullivan has been labeled as the best 14-year-old player in the world, drawing interest from Europe's top clubs. Manchester City won out, though, as the two clubs came to an agreement to work together on Sullivan's development.

The teenager, whose older brother Quinn plays for the Union, led the U.S. U-15s to a CONCACAF Championships title, earning the Golden Ball for his efforts with four goals. He has also dazzled with the Union's U-17s, leading his hometown club to a Generation Adidas cup title earlier this year.

“Cavan is undeniably a rare and extraordinary talent. At just 14-years-old his natural skill and vision are far beyond his years,” said Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “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.”

It's a professional MLS debut on the cards for Sullivan now. Officially a member of the first-team, the 14-year-old will look to make history as the youngest debutant ever in league history.