CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 26, 2024) — Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) today announced it has completed the transfer of midfielder Callum Watson from Halifax Wanderers, pending league and federation approval. Watson will join CFC pending receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The English midfielder’s move to Chattanooga FC will represent the first completed incoming international transfer in club history.
Watson spent five years in Colchester United’s youth academy before moving over to AFC Sudbury in 2016. He then moved to the US in 2018 to play for Hastings College in the NAIA for two successful seasons before transferring to Creighton University to play two seasons of NCAA Division 1 soccer in the Big East. During his time with Creighton, the Blue Jays made it to the 2022 NCAA College Cup, narrowly losing to Syracuse in the semifinals.
Watson competed in the 2023 season with Halifax Wanderers, where he made 25 appearances in the Canadian Premier League and scored three goals and recorded one assist.
"We’re really excited,” said Head Coach and Sporting Director Rod Underwood. “We’ve watched Callum for a long time. He really ticks a lot of the boxes in the midfield, and gives us a really different look in the midfield that we really want. He’s young but has a bit of professional experience and that’s important for us. We’re super excited to have him.”
Watson described his emotions upon signing with Chattanooga Football Club.
“I’m really excited about joining the club and being at the start of its next step going into MLS NEXT Pro,” said Watson. “I’ve been aware of CFC since my early days in the States when playing out here for college, so to now be a part of it is really exciting for me. The fan base speaks for itself. They turn out in numbers and show tremendous support, so I can’t wait to hear them really turn up the volume for this upcoming season.”
Chattanooga FC will compete in MLS NEXT Pro for the first time beginning in 2024. Fans can purchase season tickets for the 2024 season here.
Player Profile
Name: Callum Watson
Position: Central midfield
Height: 5-11
Birthdate: February 28, 2000
Birthplace: Essex, England
Citizenship: England
2024 Chattanooga FC roster (as of January 26, 2024)
+New signing for 2024
Goalkeepers (2): Jean Antoine, Jon Burke
Defenders (6): Joseph Perez, Anatolie Prepelita, +Jesse Williams, +Milo Garvanian, +Robert Screen, +Duvan Viafara
Midfielders (5): Richard Dixon, Luis Garcia Sosa, Alex McGrath, +Andres Jimenez Aranzazu, +Callum Watson
Forwards (3): Taylor Gray, Damian Rodriguez, Jesus Ibarra
