On Friday the, Halifax Wanderers announced that they have agreed to the transfer of English midfielder Callum Watson to Chattanooga FC (MLS Next Pro). Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. 

Watson, 23, signed with the Wanderers ahead of the 2023 season. He made 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals to go along with one assist. Watson’s two-goal performance against Valour FC on June 10 led the Wanderers to their first victory of the 2023 season. 

“On behalf of everyone at Halifax Wanderers, we thank Callum for his contribution to the club in our 2023 season,” sporting director Matt Fegan said. “This is a good new challenge for Callum and we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career.” 

Watson joined the Wanderers from NCAA side Creighton University, where he tallied six goals and 11 assists in 51 total matches. In 2022, Watson was a key contributor on a Blue Jays side that advanced to the national semi-finals. 

The midfielder also spent two seasons at Hastings College after starting his career in the academy of A.F.C Sudbury in England. 

Based in Tennesee, Chattanooga FC was founded in 2009 and turned professional in 2019. They are set to play their first season as an independent club in MLS Next Pro in 2024.