Michael Seaton placed on loan to Orebro SK

D.C. United forward Michael Seaton is off to Sweden. Late Tuesday night it was revealed that the Jamaican Homegrown Academy product would be sent off on a year-long loan to Orebro SK in the Swedish First Division.

The deal was first reported by OSK Fotball. The report was later corroborated by Seaton’s representatives at Global Premier Management.

Pleased to announce that @dcunited 's @MikeeySeaton is moving on loan to @OrebroSK for the season! #GPM @SoccerInsider

— Global Premier Mgmt (@GlobalPremMgmt) April 1, 2015

D.C. United have yet to release a formal statement on Seaton’s status.

Seaton, 19, has long been considered to be one of United’s top young players. He signed with the club at just 17 years old and has spent the past two years playing for United and the Richmond Kickers in USL (formerly USL Pro). He scored 3 goals in 5 appearances with the Kickers last season.

In addition to his time with United, Seaton has already made 11 appearances with the Jamaican national team. He scored his first-ever international goal last May in a friendly against Serbia and has proceeded to score two more times in the past year. With Jamaica playing in both the Gold Cup and Copa America this year Seaton will figure very prominently into the Reggae Boyz plans this summer.

Orebro SK finished in sixth place last season in the Swedish Allsvenskan, otherwise known as the First Division. Although they were relegated 2012, they did bounce back in 2013 winning the Superettan. They did just recently make an appearance in the Euorpa League in 2011-2012 and have won the Allsvenskan twice in their club’s history.

Loaning off Seaton benefits both Seaton himself and D.C. United. Although he was still recovering from a knee injury sustained in January during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, it did not appear that Seaton was going to factor very prominently in D.C United coach Ben Olsen’s plans this year. The Swedish First Division is a step up in terms of competition from USL and will likely give Seaton a chance to earn minutes in a difficult environment.

There is also of course the economic incentive of Seaton playing in Europe for United. Given his age, his international experience, and his skills Seaton will eventually attract other European clubs looking to purchase the young Jamaican. Having the experience in Sweden should give help cement his case that he can play in a challenging environment and give United the chance to eventually sell him.

By placing Seaton on a season-long loan it also frees up a roster spot for United. Given spate of losses at the forward position and on defense (it was announced today that starting center-back Steve Birnbaum will be gone for 6-8 weeks with a sprained ankle) United can use the Seaton spot to shore up either spot.