“Is he the next Freddy Adu?”, “This our Yamal” – Fans react as 14-year-old signed by Manchester City makes MLS debut

Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan has become the youngest player in Major Soccer League history.

The 14-year-old was introduced as a late substitute during his side’s 5-1 win over New England Revolution, breaking the record of Freddy Adu, who was 14 years and 306 days when he played for DC United in 2004, by 13 days.

Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin has called Sullivan a ‘generational talent’ capable of changing games and the teenager is set to sign for Manchester City when he turns 18, after the Citizens agreed a future deal to bring the highly-rated prospect to the Premier League.

Sullivan’s hometown club, Philadelphia, signed the starlet to the largest homegrown contract in Major League Soccer history, with an agreement to transfer the player to City after he turns 18.

“The collaboration between the Union and the City Group was – that did it for me. I always watch Man City. They’re like every kid’s dream team,” Sullivan told ESPN.

“For [Philadelphia and Man City] to come together and agree on something – I sat with my family and my agents and we decided that it was the best plan.”

Fans have been left in shock after 14-year-old future Manchester City prodigy Cavan Sullivan debuted for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS. The teenager came off the bench for his side as they defeated New England Revolution by five goals to one.

Sullivan signed a MLS deal in May, making him the youngest player ever to be added to the Philadelphia Union first-team roster. The midfielder has featured primarily for the second team in the MLS NEXT Pro, where he has impressed, scoring in each of his last two games.

In recognition of his talent and quality, Cavan Sullivan was named on the bench for the game against New England Revolution at Subaru Park. With his side coasting to a victory, the youngster was introduced as a substitute in the 85th minute, becoming the youngest player to debut in any top North American sports league.

Sullivan debuted aged 14 years and 293 days, breaking the record of 14 years and 306 days previously held by Freddy Adu. The debut of the youngster, who will be signed by Manchester City once he turns 18, coincided with his side picking up a first win in 11 attempts in the MLS.

A fan shared a joke following Sullivan’s debut.

“Just looked at my younger brother and sighed”

Another fan pointed out that he ought to be a high school freshman.

“People that age are high school freshmen, and he’s out on a major league soccer pitch playing.”

Another fan was left impressed by the debut of the youngster.

“Incredibly impressive that’s for sure!”

A fan was left in shock upon realising his age.

“He was born in 2009 wtfff”

Manchester City moved quickly to secure the talented youngster before any other team in Europe could snap him up. The youngster, who shared the pitch with his older brother Quinn on his debut, has a four-year deal in place with the Union, which includes a move to the Premier League.