Cavan Sullivan Transfer: Barcelona and Real Madrid Circle as Manchester City Deal Faces Doubt

Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up a fresh move for American teenager Cavan Sullivan, with comments from the player’s representative fuelling talk that Manchester City’s long-standing agreement may no longer be secure.

Manchester City’s Sullivan Deal Under Scrutiny

According to Goal, City’s planned capture of the 17-year-old Philadelphia Union forward has been thrown into uncertainty following the club’s recent guilty verdict over 115 alleged financial breaches. Both Spanish giants are now reportedly back in the frame.

City agreed a deal for the attacking talent in 2024, with the move pencilled in for 2028, when Sullivan reaches the age required to complete an international transfer. The Premier League champions have long prided themselves on identifying young players early through their global scouting network.

What Has Sullivan’s Agent Said?

Dan Segal’s comments have added fuel to the speculation. Acknowledging that City are among the biggest clubs in the world and that an earlier agreement exists, he added that nothing can be taken for granted and expressed hope that matters are resolved in the best possible way.

Sources close to City reportedly still expect Sullivan to join once his Philadelphia contract expires. However, the ongoing legal fallout could force the club to rethink certain plans.

Why Real Madrid and Barcelona Want Sullivan

Both La Liga heavyweights have monitored the teenager before, although earlier reports suggested their chances of hijacking the deal were slim. Sullivan has since produced 19 goal contributions this season for Philadelphia Union, underlining his rapid progress in MLS.

A versatile forward comfortable in several attacking roles, he fits the profile of player both Madrid and Barcelona like to secure early.

Our Take

Three years is a long time in football, and a lot can change before 2028. City hold a strong advantage through their existing agreement, but any lingering uncertainty around the club’s future gives rivals a chance to test the waters. Barcelona’s appeal to young talent and Madrid’s financial muscle could prove tempting to Sullivan’s camp if his development continues at this pace. For now, City remain favourites, but this saga is far from over.