Real Madrid and Barcelona circle Cavan Sullivan despite his agreed Manchester City move

Real Madrid and Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan, despite the American midfielder having an existing agreement to join Manchester City when he turns 18, according to an ESPN report citing TEAMtalk.

Sullivan, currently 16, has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in MLS. He made his senior debut for Philadelphia Union at 14 and has since recorded six goals and five assists in 23 league appearances this season — form that earned him a call-up to Mauricio Pochettino’s most recent USMNT squad.

According to ESPN’s sourcing, the interest from Spain’s two biggest clubs is conditional rather than immediate. Real Madrid and Barcelona are reported to be monitoring Sullivan’s development with a view to making a move only if he does not quickly force his way into Manchester City’s first team after completing his planned move to England.

Sullivan’s agreed pathway to City remains the central fact of his situation. Supplementary reports describe a pre-arranged route from Philadelphia Union to Manchester City, and Sullivan is said to remain committed to that plan. Both Spanish clubs are reported to have made enquiries about his circumstances, but no move away from the existing agreement has been confirmed.

The attention from Real Madrid and Barcelona reflects the broader profile Sullivan has built through his performances in MLS and his growing role with the United States national team. His inclusion in Pochettino’s latest squad has amplified scrutiny on a player still two years away from his agreed move to City.

For now, Sullivan’s immediate future is straightforward: continued development with Philadelphia Union before his pre-arranged transfer to Manchester City at 18. The reported Spanish interest represents a longer-term possibility that hinges entirely on how his career unfolds once he arrives in England.