D.C. United and Inter Milan will consummate their relationship – formed when United majority owner Erick Thohir purchased a controlling share in the Serie A club in October – by sending Homegrown product Michael Seaton to train in Italy for the remainder of the offseason.
First reported by The Washington Post’s Steven Goff, the 17-year-old Seaton will join Inter's Primavera squad – the oldest of the famed Italian club's academy teams, comprising players ages 17-20 – until United’s preseason camp begins at the end of this month.
A United spokesman confirmed the training stint to MLSsoccer.com and said Seaton flew to Italy on Sunday night.
“I spoke with him today when he got to Milan," the spokesman said. "He’s really excited about this opportunity and will train with Inter's Primavera team ... for two weeks before joining us in preseason. This is our first exchange since the official partnership with Milan, and we hope it is the first of many.”
Thohir and the two clubs announced a strategic partnership in December.
Seaton was signed to a Homegrown deal in January last year, becoming the first player born after MLS’ launch in 1996 to be signed to a team in the league.
The Jamaican youth international spent 2013 between United and their USL PRO affliate, the Richmond Kickers. He made three appearances for D.C., including one start. With Richmond, he scored five goals in 15 games.
