Manchester City‘s ongoing problems could have an unexpected consequence in the transfer market, with Barcelona potentially handed an opening in the race for one of America’s most highly rated young talents.
The player in question is Cavan Sullivan, who has been linked with City for some time after the Philadelphia Union midfielder emerged as a teenage sensation in MLS.
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However, the agreement that appeared to put Manchester City in pole position is not yet definitive, leaving the door open for other major European clubs.
Sullivan attracted attention across Europe after breaking into the Philadelphia Union setup at just 16.
His rapid emergence also brought him onto the radar of the United States national team, with Mauricio Pochettino monitoring his progress.
City Football Group eventually moved ahead and reached a preliminary agreement with the teenager.
The expectation has been that Sullivan would move to Manchester City in 2028, once his Philadelphia contract expires and he turns 18.
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Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG and several other clubs had previously followed the midfielder’s development, but it appears that the agreement with City could now be reconsidered.
Sullivan’s agent, Dan Segal, has made clear that the proposed move is not yet set in stone.
Speaking about City’s situation, he praised the club while acknowledging that circumstances could still change.
“Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world. What they have built cannot be erased from history.
“It is true that there is a pre-agreement with them for Sullivan, but you never know what can happen. We hope that they solve everything in the best possible way.”
Cavan Sullivan had a pre-agreement with Manchester City. (Picture credit: Instagram/@cavan.sull)
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What was said by the player’s agent is quite crucial and now, according to SPORT, uncertainty surrounding the club’s legal situation has created questions over future arrangements involving City Football Group, including Sullivan’s case.
At Barcelona, the situation is worth monitoring because the Catalan club has already been tracking Sullivan, while Real Madrid are also understood to remain attentive to the American teenager’s development.
Notably, his sporting potential is not the only factor attracting interest, as his profile in the United States also gives him considerable commercial appeal.
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Sullivan’s future is still tied to a preliminary agreement with City, so there is no indication that Barcelona are close to signing him.
But if the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City affects existing arrangements, the American youngster could suddenly become one of Europe’s most interesting young transfer targets.
