# Malik Jakupovic Could Follow in Cavan Sullivan’s Footsteps With Premier League Switch

> 17-year-old MLS star Malik Jakupovic faces Premier League move after European clubs show interest.
- Title: Malik Jakupovic Could Follow in Cavan Sullivan’s Footsteps…
- Summary: 17-year-old MLS star Malik Jakupovic faces Premier League move after European clubs show interest. Malik Jakupovic, a 17-year-old Philadelphia Union forward…
- Keywords: malik jakupovic, cavan sullivan, philadelphia union, mls, premier league, borussia dortmund, mls next pro, concacaf champions cup, usmnt, mauricio pochettino, sports, Malik
- Source: SI — https://si.com/soccer/malik-jakupovic-follow-cavan-sullivan-footsteps-premier-league-switch
- Published: 2026-10-15T17:05:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: malik jakupovic, cavan sullivan, philadelphia union, mls, premier league, borussia dortmund, mls next pro, concacaf champions cup, usmnt, mauricio pochettino, sports
## Jakupovic Makes Quiet Impact
The 17-year-old, under contract through 2030 with option to extend, has operated quietly in the shadows, making cameo appearances for the first team.
## Jakupovic Lags Behind Sullivan
He’s not breaking records like Sullivan, nor commanding starting minutes like fellow young American Neil Pierre.
## Jakupovic’s Slow Burn
The Michigan-native only made his MLS debut back in March and is still waiting for his first start.
## Jakupovic’s Limited Minutes
Only two of his last five appearances have been for longer than one minute.
## European Clubs Take Notice
Clubs across Europe are paying close attention to Jakupovic, with Borussia Dortmund showing interest over the summer.
## Jakupovic’s MLS NEXT Pro Success
Jakupovic made 19 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro and scored eight goals, becoming the team’s second-highest goalscorer.
## Jakupovic’s First Senior Goal
He scored his first MLS goal in September during Philadelphia’s 5, 0 win over San Diego FC.
## Jakupovic’s Lack of Playing Time
Jakupovic logged just one minute in the Union’s two wins over Real Salt Lake and Chicago Fire after his goal.
## Union’s Attack Dominates
The Union’s attack is firing on all cylinders, scoring 23 goals in the last six matches.
## Jakupovic’s USMNT Opportunity
Jakupovic was left out of Pochettino’s call-up for four fall friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
## Jakupovic’s USMNT Potential
He scored eight goals at the Concacaf U-17 Championship to help the U.S. qualify for the 2026 U-17 World Cup.
## Jakupovic’s European Move
European clubs are eager to potentially snatch up the next young American goalscorer, with Premier League links swirling.
## Jakupovic’s Next Step
Jakupovic could choose to take his development abroad for more opportunities, money and stakes.
## Jakupovic’s USMNT Path
An impressive move to Europe would help catch Pochettino’s eye for the senior national team.
## Jakupovic’s Premier League Future
Jakupovic’s potential Premier League move follows Cavan Sullivan’s recent success with the Philadelphia Union.
## Key takeaway

Malik Jakupovic, a 17-year-old Philadelphia Union forward with one senior goal, may join Premier League clubs after European interest grows.