The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
» Homegrown player Carleton will be loaned out,
Atlanta United is planning to loan Andrew Carleton, who was the team’s first Homegrown Signing.
The team that Carleton will be loaned to, as well as the duration, are being worked out. Atlanta United has previously loaned players to USL clubs, frequently for a season.
Manager Frank de Boer said Monday the loan was decided because the team felt that Carleton needs a fresh environment. Carleton didn’t participate in the team’s first training session Monday at its grounds in Marietta, and his time with Atlanta United so far has been known more for misdeeds than impact.
The Powder Springs native wasn’t allowed to be with the team during its MLS Cup game in 2018, nor the parade, after he violated team rules. Last year, the 19-year old was supposed to accompany the team to Toronto for an MLS game but forgot to bring his passport. De Boer said last May that Carleton needed to improve his focus, and after the Toronto mistake, de Boer said Carleton needed to work on his professionalism. De Boer then sent Carleton to play with Atlanta United 2 for a few weeks. Near the end of the season, de Boer said Carleton was improving.
When Carleton became the team’s first Homegrown Signing, Atlanta United beat out a few clubs in Europe to sign a player who was then considered a future U.S. men’s national team cornerstone at midfield after stellar performances with the youth national teams.
He has just 11 appearances in three seasons with Atlanta United. Carleton wouldn’t be the first Homegrown Signing who did not make an impact with the first team. During the offseason, the team declined options on Chris Goslin and Patrick Okonkwo. Homegrown Signings who trained with the first team Monday were George Campbell, Lagos Kunga and George Bello.