Manchester could well become the centre of US football in the next five years.
So says Jonathan Spector, the former Manchester United, West Ham and Birmingham City defender, who is now head of international recruitment for Atlanta United.
The former USA international is well aware of Philadelphia Union whizkid Cavan Sullivan, who will join Manchester City when he turns 18. The 15-year-old is already spending time at City training with the youth teams.
Asked about the move, Spector, speaking to Tribal Football via Betsmith, the home of La Liga odds, said: "Yeah, I think every player wants to test themselves at the highest level, right?
"City Football Group is a massive entity. They've done a good job with a lot of players, there's also some that have fallen by the wayside, and I just hope that he's not one of those.
"I think he's a talented player. He hasn't proven anything just yet, and I think for City, it's a low-risk, high-reward scenario. From my point of view, in terms of wanting the best for the American soccer player and US soccer as a whole, I just worry that he maybe doesn't get the opportunities that he has that he could have otherwise. I hope for the best, I guess, is the best way of putting it."
Asked if he had advice for Sullivan, Spector continued: "I think it's really hard as a young player, but I think ensuring that you're taking ownership of your career.
"I think as a young player, you can go there and think, okay, I'm part of City Football Group, these guys are the experts, they know exactly what's best for me - and oftentimes, they will - but as a player, you need to take on that onus and that responsibility to ensure that you're getting what you need as well.
"He has a long way to go still in terms of development, and again, they've done a really good job with some of their players in developing them. But I think as a player, you really have to take ownership of your career as early as you can."
A US whizkid at Man United
Meanwhile, fellow USA youth international Nimfasha Berchimas has been trialling with Manchester United. Like Sullivan, Berchimas has played at MLS level for Charlotte FC, despite being just 17 years of age. Similar to Sullivan, Berchimas is also an attacking talent and another known to Spector.
He said: "I think they're the individuals that a lot of people are talking about, just because of the clubs that have shown interest in them. I think there are a lot of talented American players and we, as a country, need to continue to improve our development and pro-player pathways.
"We've come a long, long way, but we haven't been doing it as long as the likes of England, Spain and France, right? And so, we still have room to improve, but we've got a fantastic pool of players here in this country and we need to ensure that we continue to improve our pathways for players."
Berchimas will be clear to join United when he turns 18 in February and when asked if the youngster should grab such a move if an offer is tabled, Spector said: "I don't think there's one pathway for players, I think there's a lot of different ways to do it. I would use an example of Clint Dempsey. Clint and I played together on the national team, played against one another in the Premier League and his pathway was very different.
"He went to Furman University, played there, had time in MLS and then went to Europe. So, I don't think there's one pathway and I think having multiple pathways for players and ensuring that we're not missing out on those players or missing out on giving those players opportunities to get to the top is what's important. So, I wouldn't say we have to do it one way and one way only."
Pochettino criticism a positive
Beyond US youth football, Spector also considered national team coach Mauricio Pochettino's current struggles. The former Chelsea manager has been criticised by many inside the local game, though Spector sees the debate as a positive.
He explained, "Yeah, I think that's the other interesting thing, right, is you say there's some detractors, which I don't think that's a bad thing. I think it shows that people now care about soccer in this country, right? Before, I think it was more of a positive media spin on things.
"There weren't many people criticising or paying close enough attention to criticise, so I view it as a positive. Maybe that's also the American in me, trying to be positive, see the bright side!
"But I actually think it's a good thing for the country, in that there are some detractors, there are people paying close enough attention to make those arguments."