Despite the Philadelphia Union’s winter rebuild, one fact remained the same. Most eyes on the Union will be on Cavan Sullivan. With his brother, Quinn, recovering from injury and the roster opening up space in front of him on the depth chart, is 2026 finally the time we see Cavan Sullivan?
Eyes Have Been on Sullivan
Cavan Sullivan made his debut with the Union’s top-flight MLS team in historic fashion. Sullivan was just 14 years old when he saw his first MLS minutes. Consequently, he holds the record for the youngest player to appear in a North American professional sports league. However, Sullivan’s appearances became few and far between.
Since his debut in 2024, Sullivan has mustered 14 appearances and 223 minutes of playing time. In that time, he has yet to record a goal or assist. Sullivan’s time has mostly been spent with Union II and the United States Youth National Team. In the 2025 U-17 World Cup, Cavan Sullivan would play a pivotal role in leading the United States squad to the top of their group. Unfortunately, the squad fell in the round of 32 on penalties.
Most notably, of course, Sullivan would agree to a groundbreaking deal with European giants Manchester City in 2024. The agreement will have the Union transfer him to City when he turns 18 for a fee of around $5 million. It proves Sullivan’s promise and ability that a top-tier European club would make a commitment to a then-14-year-old.
Will Sullivan see a Bump in Playing time for 2026?
Unfortunately, one of the factors that led to Cavan Sullivan’s lack of opportunity was his position on the depth chart. However, the Union, despite capturing the Supporters Shield in 2025, have competely overhauled the roster. Additionally, Cavan’s brother, Quinn, tore his ACL down the stretch of 2025. Cavan and Quinn find themselves sharing similar playstyles. Both can be attacking midfielders anywhere on the field, but become lethal when they can stretch the field down the wings.
Although Quinn is sharing that his ACL recovery is going great, he won’t be expected back until a few months into the season. Cavan may also benefit greatly from the roster overhaul. Inserting Sullivan into a midfield that already had a feel of playing with each other could have backfired. Now, the likes of Daniel Gazdag, Tai Baribo, and Mikael Uhre are all gone. The Union, needing to rediscover its attacking identity, seems like the perfect time to factor Sullivan into the everyday lineup.
Now, Cavan Sullivan is still just 16 years old. Believing he will, or should, be starting every single game for the Union is just not feasible. However, there is a real chance Sullivan will be given the chance to create in 2026. No longer being a substitute, appearing after the 85th minute mark. Factor in the Union’s schedule, once again getting crowded, as they return to the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Sullivan could be in a prime position to be a top choice off the bench and even get a start from time to time.
Union Fans are Ready for Cavan
At the end of the day, the Philadelphia Union’s bread and butter is youth development. The likes of Mark McKenzie, Brenden and Paxten Aaronson, and Jack McGlynn have all come and gone. The aforementioned players had their shot to perform in front of the Union faithful before their transfers. Cavan Sullivan has not yet.
In 2026, it may be the time Union fans finally get a full display of how talented Cavan Sullivan is and why Manchester City scooped him up when he was just 14 years old. Only time will tell, as the Union kick off 2026 in just over 2 weeks in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
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