CNN
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The Philadelphia Union have signed 14-year-old phenom Cavan Sullivan to a four-year deal via 2028 for the most important homegrown contract in Main League Soccer historical past, the membership introduced on Thursday.
“It is a historic day for the Philadelphia Union. It isn’t typically, in any sport, that you simply get to signal a generational expertise, particularly right here in Philadelphia in soccer,” Union head coach Jim Curtin stated in Sullivan’s introductory information convention Thursday.
Sullivan turns into the youngest participant in membership historical past to be added to the first-team roster, and the fifth youngest participant to ink a first-team contract in MLS historical past.
If the 14-year-old midfielder makes his debut for the Union on or earlier than July 29, 2024, “he’ll turn into the youngest participant to make his debut among the many high North American skilled sports activities leagues (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL) in addition to the youngest participant to make his debut among the many high 5 European soccer leagues,” in accordance with the Union.
“We’re definitely not afraid of placing him on the sector at any time,” Curtin stated on Thursday when Sullivan might make his first-team debut. “He’s going to work arduous and make it on the sector on advantage in the beginning.
“I’ll simply say it publicly, it’s rather a lot nearer than individuals might understand. , once more, our crew no matter you want that week, he’s going to be known as upon rapidly as a result of he deserves it.”
Philadelphia subsequent take the sector in opposition to Orlando Metropolis on Could 11.
Final yr, Sullivan was named the Golden Ball winner after scoring 4 targets within the match and main the US to the 2023 Concacaf Boy’s Beneath-15 Championship – the primary time the crew has ever gained the match.
“I’ve been watching my house crew, the Union, for so long as I keep in mind and hoped that someday I’d get the prospect to play for my metropolis in entrance of my household, associates, and followers,” stated Sullivan. “Having the ability to not solely play for the Union however to have the ability to play with my brother is a dream come true. I’ll give all the pieces I’ve to this membership and hope to assist carry house some {hardware}. I’m grateful for the chance and hope to make Philadelphia proud.”
Sullivan’s older brother, Quinn, 20, has performed for the Union’s first crew since 2021.
In accordance with ESPN, Sullivan has a launch clause that may permit him to switch to English Premier League aspect Manchester Metropolis after he turns 18.
“He’s tremendous gifted, clearly, in any other case we wouldn’t be sitting right here having this dialogue, however he’s bought this attacking mindset that’s fearless. He creates targets, he scores targets, he can do it in each side,” Sullivan’s Union II head coach Marlon LeBlanc stated.
“He’s a generational expertise, sky’s the restrict and we’re simply going to proceed to assist permit him to provide him a platform in an effort to proceed to develop.”
