Donovan and Johnson clash over Man City-bound teen Cavan Sullivan's potential

Landon Donovan and Eddie Johnson, two of the United States’ most decorated footballers, have become embroiled in a public dispute over the prospects of Cavan Sullivan, the teenage Philadelphia Union midfielder contracted to join Manchester City when he turns 18 in September 2026.

Donovan sparked the row by counselling restraint around Sullivan’s growing reputation, drawing on a history of American talents who failed to fulfil their early promise. “I am measured and calm because I, unlike a lot of new soccer fans, have seen this story happen over and over,” Donovan said. “I saw it with Freddy Adu. I saw it with Santino Quaranta. I saw it with Eddie Johnson. I saw it with Gio [Reyna].” He added that Sullivan could yet prove to be the breakthrough star, but stopped short of endorsing the widespread excitement.

Johnson took particular exception to being listed among those cautionary examples and responded sharply. “I can’t speak for Freddy Adu or Santino Quaranta or Gio Reyna, but I will speak for myself, Landon Timothy Donovan,” he said. “You talk so much about every other young upcoming player in the past but yourself. He came back home where it was easy for him, and now he talks about kids doing more than he did in a league he failed in.”

Johnson also used the exchange to praise the current generation of American players pursuing careers in Europe. “I salute these young boys for sticking it out in Europe and not taking the easy way out for a paycheck and less pressure,” he said.

The debate centres on a player who has given genuine cause for optimism. Sullivan, who turned 17 at the end of September, has registered seven goals and seven assists in 26 MLS appearances this season for Philadelphia Union. He has also broken into Mauricio Pochettino’s US Men’s National Team setup, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the country’s history.

City first agreed terms with Sullivan in 2024, when he was 14, with the transfer structured to complete upon his 18th birthday. The deal underlines the club’s long-term interest in emerging talent from North America, and Sullivan’s continued development in MLS has only heightened anticipation around his eventual arrival in the Premier League.