August 19, 2025
Canadian international Joel Waterman has been sent to Chicago Fire from CF Montreal
Roughly a month ago, CF Montreal announce that CF Montreal were about to enter a rebuilding phase and as such Joel Waterman, the Canadian national team defenseman, has been transferred to the Chicago Fire.
Roughly a month ago, a letter signed by Luca and Simmone Saputo, sons of team owner Joey Saputo, as well as team president Gabriel Gervais released a statement to the teams fans stating that they were unsatisfied with the teams performance and that they would be undergoing a rebuild. It seems CF Montreal are entering the teardown stage of that rebuild, and several regular players are out their way out of la belle province.
See Also: CF Montreal acquire Matty Longstaff from Toronto FC
Joel Waterman, 29, has been a key contributor to CF Montreal’s backline for close to six seasons, providing stability and a level head to the squads last line of defense. In that time, he has made 130 MLS appearances and tallied for his team on four occasions.
In return, the Chicago Fire are sending $500,000 in General Allocation Money spread across this season and next ($200,000 in 2025, and $300,000 in 2026). A pair of add-on packages of $50,000 could also go to Montréal if he’s still on the roster at the start of the 2027 season, and if he starts 60% of league matches next season. There are also reports that Chicago are not taking on his Joel Waterman’s full salary, meaning CF Montreal will still be paying an unknown percentage of the bill.
CF Montreal swapped Jules-Anthony Vilsaint for Matty Longstaff last week, as rivals CF Montreal and Toronto FC made yet another deal. That follows the departure of Greg Campbell, who Montreal sent to Southampton in England’s second-division side West Bromwich Albion.
Read More:
>> CF Montreal apologizes to fans, promises rebuild
>> Efrain Morales signs multi-year contract extension with CF Montreal
>> Atlanta United and CF Montreal play to a draw at Stade Saputo
In June, CF Montreal also parted ways with talented midfielder Nathan Saliba who was dealt to au R.S.C. Anderlecht, while midfielder Dominic Iankovwas sent to Hrvatski Nogometni Klub Rijeka in Croatia. Also of note, last Saturday goalkeeper Emil Gazdov was loaned to Canadian Premier League club Valour FC until the end of the 2025 season.
A slew of rumors are currently swirling about the club, as several players from the CF Montreal roster could be leaving the team later on this week.
