Cavan Sullivan's agent questions Manchester City deal as Barcelona monitor USMNT prospect
Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in USMNT teenager Cavan Sullivan after Manchester City were found guilty of multiple financial breaches. Sullivan has a pre-agreement to join Manchester City in 2028 when he turns 18, but his agent Dan Segal said that arrangement could still change. The 16-year-old made his USMNT debut against Peru earlier this month.
Cavan Sullivan, 16, is seen as a top American prospect and made his USMNT debut against Peru this month. A deal is lined up for him to join Manchester City in 2028, upon turning 18. Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly tracking him after City were found to have committed multiple financial violations. His representative, Dan Segal, indicated that arrangement could change and said he hopes City resolve matters favorably.
Barcelona and other leading clubs had shown interest before Sullivan chose City, according to the report. Possible sanctions against City—fines, point deductions or loss of titles—have created uncertainty, and speculation has included Erling Haaland’s future. That backdrop may influence whether Sullivan’s planned move goes ahead.
The uncertainty could affect Sullivan’s development path and the USMNT’s planning around a highly touted teenager. Fans of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City may see transfer expectations shift, while young players and agents could become more cautious about long-term agreements with clubs facing regulatory questions. The outcome may also shape how American soccer audiences follow top prospects abroad, though any broader impact remains speculative.