CF Montreal trades defender Joel Waterman to Chicago Fire FC for GAM

MONTREAL — Four weeks after pledging a rebuild in an open letter to fans, CF Montreal is parting with one of its leaders.

Montreal traded centre back Joel Waterman to the Chicago Fire for US$500,000 in general allocation money — the amount split between 2025 ($200,000) and 2026 ($300,000) — in a deal announced by both clubs Wednesday.

In addition, Montreal will get up to $100,000 in performance-based money.

Waterman was a mainstay on Montreal’s back line and a vocal presence on the pitch. In November, he signed a three-year contract extension through 2027 — with an option for the 2028 season.

“First and foremost, we would like to thank Joel for his extensive contribution to the Club over the past six seasons,” said Luca Saputo, CF Montreal’s managing director, recruitment and sporting methodology, in a statement.

“This was not an easy decision, but we believe the time was right for him and our organization to move on. We wish him all the best in his future career.”

Over six seasons with Montreal, the 29-year-old from Langley, B.C., played 130 regular-season games, accumulating over 11,000 minutes of playing time in MLS and scoring four goals. He also won the Canadian Championship in 2021 with the club.

Montreal acquired Waterman in January 2020 from Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League, making him the first player in history to be transferred from the CPL to MLS.

Internationally, Waterman has earned 10 caps for Canada’s men’s national team and featured on the 2022 World Cup roster.

“Joel’s experience at both the international level and in MLS will be a valuable asset to the team as we build for the future,” said Fire director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter. “His competitive nature and leadership qualities will have an immediate impact in this final stretch of the season. We look forward to welcoming Joel to Chicago.”

The move comes a week after Montreal traded striker Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in general allocation money to Toronto FC for midfielder Matty Longstaff. Montreal also parted ways with director of soccer Corey Wray last week.

Later Wednesday, the club acquired an international roster spot from Sporting KC for the remainder of the season in exchange for $175,000 in general allocation money ($75,000 in 2025 and $100,000 in 2026).

Luca Saputo, the son of team owner Joey Saputo, is scheduled to meet with reporters in a post-transfer window news conference Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 20, 2025.