Portland Timbers acquire Joel Waterman from Chicago Fire | OneFootball

By Ari Liljenwall

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade

The Portland Timbers have acquired defender Joel Waterman from Chicago Fire FC, the clubs announced Thursday.

In exchange for the 30-year-old Canadian international, Chicago receive up to $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) – with $100k guaranteed and $100k that's conditional.

Additionally, Chicago maintain a future sell-on and trade percentage.

"We are pleased with the addition of Joel to our group and look forward to welcoming him to Portland," said Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy.

"Joel has amassed a wealth of experience across his time in MLS, and will help raise the level of our defensive group going forward."

Waterman is in his seventh MLS season after joining CF Montréal in 2020 from Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC. He was traded to Chicago midway through the 2025 campaign and has tallied 6g/12a in 157 league appearances.

Waterman boasts 17 caps with Canada and made Les Rouges' squad for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups. He also featured at the 2024 Copa América and 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. 

"We thank Joel for his contributions to the club over the past two seasons," said Chicago director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter.

"He played an important role in helping stabilize our back line during last year's playoff push and has been a valued presence within the group. We believe this move provides greater flexibility as we strengthen our roster, and we wish Joel nothing but success moving forward."

In Portland, Waterman will play alongside two CanMNT teammates: center back Kamal Miller and goalkeeper James Pantemis.

Meanwhile, Chicago have added defenders Noah Allen and Andreas Hanche-Olsen at the transfer deadline.

READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker