Cavan Sullivan, a rising star nurtured by incoming Manchester United boss Mauricio Pochettino, has agreed a move to Manchester City and is due to join the Blues next year on his 18th birthday.
The American midfielder has starred in the MLS this season despite only turning 17 in September. He has made history by becoming the first teenager to be nominated for the MLS Most Valuable Player of the Year, where he is joined on the shortlist by Lionel Messi, among others.
Sullivan's Rise and City Deal
Sullivan's potential has been clear since a young age, and City won the race to sign the starlet from Philadelphia Union. Since that deal was struck, the midfielder has earned full international honours with Pochettino handing the prospect a debut in September.
The 54-year-old Argentine has had a significant influence on the youngster, who praised his mentor while speaking on international duty with the United States.
Pochettino's Influence
"Mauricio has taken me under his wing in the most tremendous way possible," said Sullivan. "I was a young guy coming in and he told me to just play free and be myself and have confidence in my ability."
"But that didn't mean I was let off the hook or that the standard was lower for me. That standard remained the same for everybody in the camp, in training and every game."
Sullivan added: "I am someone who really appreciates the directness on the field but also the warmth and the hugs. He is a really personable guy off the field. It just works for us and everyone loves him as a guy."
