BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Friday the club had signed midfielder Sam McIllhatton for the 2025 USL Championship season. McIllhatton will be available for selection when Legion FC returns to the field to host El Paso Locomotive FC on Sunday, April 13.

“Sam is a versatile midfielder that will bring experience and depth to our roster,” said Legion FC Chief Soccer Officer and CEO Jay Heaps. “We are looking forward to his impact on the field and in the locker room.”

A native of Australia, the 26-year-old McIllhatton comes to America after having begun his professional career with Sydney Olympic FC where he has plied his trade since 2021 in the National Premier League – the second tier of the Australian pyramid. In 80 appearances with the club across five seasons, McIllhatton has been a fixture in the middle of the pitch, while also getting in on the attack with four assists.

Previously this season, McIllhatton had started and played the full 90 minutes in seven matches with Sydney Olympic FC.