Dave Baldwin President of Business Operations | Chicago Fire FC Website
Dave Baldwin President of Business Operations | Chicago Fire FC Website
Chicago Fire FC has acquired defender Joel Waterman from CF Montréal, the club announced on August 20, 2025. In return, Montréal will receive $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2025 and $300,000 in GAM for 2026. There is also a possibility of an additional $100,000 in GAM if certain conditions are met.
“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 Chicago Fire FC 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.”
Waterman, who is 29 years old, played five seasons with Montréal. He started 125 out of his 130 regular season appearances. In the current MLS regular season, he played in 18 matches—starting 17—and captained the team five times. While at Montréal, Waterman was part of the squad that won the Canadian Cup in 2021 and participated in all three group matches during Leagues Cup 2025, wearing the captain’s armband against Club León on July 29. He also led Montréal as captain during their quarterfinal run in the 2025 Canadian Cup.
Before joining CF Montréal, Waterman played for Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), winning championships during both the Spring and Fall seasons of 2019. His transfer to Montréal marked him as the first CPL player sold to a Major League Soccer club.
Internationally, Waterman has made ten appearances for Canada’s Men’s National Team across friendlies and CONCACAF Nations League matches. He was included in Canada’s squads for major tournaments such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa America in 2024, and CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2025.
The official transaction details note: Chicago Fire FC acquires defender Joel Waterman from CF Montréal for $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2025 and $300,000 in GAM in 2026.
Waterman is a defender standing six feet two inches tall and weighing 172 pounds. He was born on January 24, 1996, in Langley, Canada.
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