Philadelphia Union sign 14 year old Cavan Sullivan to biggest homegrown contract in MLS History

It’s official – Philadelphia Union and 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan have agreed to a homegrown contract through the 2028 season.

Philadelphia Union makes history with Cavan Sullivan

Just a few short months ago, the idea of seeing one of the World’s best young talents suit up for his home side in Philadelphia felt like a distant daydream, but after hard work from Philadelphia’s staff and Front Office, Sullivan is set to stay in Philly until he makes his move to European giants Manchester City on his 18th birthday.

Cavan Sullivan has been touted as one of the best young players in the world and has received interest from quite literally the biggest clubs in European football before being old enough to get behind the wheel of a car.

Sullivan made his MLS NEXT Pro Debut on March 24th of 2024 in an appearance off the bench in which he registered the game-winning assists for his side. in 2023, Sullivan was named to the GA Cup’s Best XI as a 13-year-old playing for Union;’s U-15s, and played a pivotal role in the U-17’s repealing as Champs in 2024. while representing the United States in the Concacaf U-15 tournament, Sullivan was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, scoring 4 goals and helping the US lift the trophy.

“Cavan is undeniably a rare and extraordinary talent. At just 14 years old his natural skill and vision are far beyond his years,” Philadelphia sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a release. 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 Philadelphia on his first professional contract and have no doubt about the impact he will make with the club.”
Ernst Tanner on Cavan Sullivan

At 14 years and 224 days old, Cavan Sullivan becomes the youngest player ever added to Philadelphia Union’s first-team roster and is the 5h youngest MLS Homegrown signing in league history behind Maximo Carrizo (NYCFC – 14 yrs, 0 days), Axel Kei (RSL – 14 yrs, 15 days), Freddy Adu (DC – 14 yrs, 169 days), Emmanuel Ochoa (SJ – 14 yrs, 191 days).

“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, who joined the Union Academy in 2020. Being able to not only play for Philly 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.”
Cavan Sullivan on signing a homegrown deal with Philadelphia Union

Big day. So proud of you bro and can’t wait to play with you ❤️ Love you @sullivan_cavan https://t.co/Ixlv7y84wq
— Quinn Sullivan (@QuinnSullivan33) May 9, 2024

The deal is the first of its kind by MLS standards. Not only is it the biggest homegrown deal any MLS player has ever signed, per The Athletic, but it’s also the first time a move to a European club has been built into an MLS Homegrown contract, providing the ultimate representation of MLS – and Philadelphia Union’s – pathway to bigger and better leagues outside of Major League Soccer.

Once Sullivan turns 18 years old, Manchester City will receive Sullivan from Philadelphia Union in exchange for a reported near-$5 Million fee. Philly also has a sell-on clause structured in Sullivan’s deal.

If Cavan Sullivan were to somehow debut for Philadelphia Union before July 29th, 2024, Cavan would become the youngest debutant across all major North American Sports leagues (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL), as well as Europe’s top 5 Soccer Leagues.