Cavan Sullivan has already been hyped as a new hope for the United States Men’s National Team.Now, the talented 17-year-old Philadelphia Union star has been touted as a potential MLS MVP winner over Lionel Messi, all while Sullivan weighs his contractual future with Manchester City. Cavan Sullivan is the next big name in MLS and could join Manchester City in 2028gettyMessi has won the last two MLS MVP awards, while Luciano Acosta, Hany Mukhtar and Carles Gil preceded the Argentina legend in receiving Major League Soccer‘s highest individual honor.Inter Miami entered Tuesday ranked second in the Eastern Conference with 59 points, only trailing Nashville.But Philadelphia was in sixth with 47 points and Sullivan continues to receive praise for his passionate approach on the pitch.“The first conversation with (Sullivan) was just that he’s going to get the chance now, like a real chance, not just put him in and see how he does,” Philadelphia Union interim manager Ryan Richter told ESPN.“It’s, ‘Cav, I believe that you are a great player at this level and I believe that you can be. Now you get a real opportunity with coaches who believe that fully, and you’ve got to take it.’ “Sullivan has done just that, scoring seven goals and recording seven assists in 28 matches (20 starts).The 5ft7in and 150lb forward from Philly significantly trails Messi in goals (26), so it could be unrealistic for Sullivan to win MVP this season.Yet he’s clearly made an impact for the Union and is coming off an impressive showing with Mauricio Pochettino‘s Unites States Men’s National Team, which featured Sullivan’s history-making first goal for the squad. “These are the moments you dream of when you’re a three, four, five or six-year-old,” Sullivan said.“I manifested this moment, not just these past couple of hours when I found out I was starting, but my whole life.”Sullivan has entered the MLS MVP race and been mentioned alongside Lionel MessigettySullivan has already made USMNT and MLS historygettySullivan made his MLS debut at 14 but the 2026 campaign has represented a career breakthrough.He’s set to join Man City in January 2028 after he turns 18.But after the club was found guilty on each of their Premier League breach charges — the potential punishment is still to be determined, pending appeal — Sullivan could re-evaluate his professional future.Top Premier League clubs could attempt to swoop in, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked to the young Philly star. “Well, if he went to Man City in the first place at 18 years of age, my assumption is he would go out on loan anyways,” ex-Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel exclusively told talkSPORT. “I know there are people that will think, ‘No, he’s going to go to Man City and start right away.’“Well, maybe, but the probability is no, with his potential talent of being a real star, I could see another big club taking on the opportunity of signing him.“I could see a top six or seven club in the Premier League taking him.”What is obvious is that Sullivan already has MLS MVP credentials at 17, and he’s increasingly being trusted by the Union in key in-game situations.“He can be a difference maker for us at this level,” Richter said.Sign up for talkSPORT Stateside, the YouTube channel dedicated to passionate US Sports fans.Will Gavin, Brian T. Smith, former NFL star Efe Obada and a collection of special guests debate the biggest talking points across the NFL, soccer, NBA and more.