Former St Johnstone Defender Hamill Remembers Persuading Arsenal Executives During Trial

Arsenal’s Young Talent Callan Hamill Reflects on His Transfer Journey
Transition from St Johnstone to Arsenal
Emerging Arsenal talent Callan Hamill has shared insights about his recent transfer from St Johnstone.
The young Scottish player joined the Gunners this past summer, with the club reportedly paying a notable sum in the six-figure range. Prior to his move, Hamill made his first senior appearance for St Johnstone on the last day of the Scottish Premiership season in a match against Dundee.
A Surprising Call from Arsenal
In an interview with arsenal.com, Hamill recounted, “Arsenal’s interest began in February 2024. My mother received a call that seemed to last longer than usual, and when she finally informed me that Arsenal wanted me to come for a trial, I was in disbelief. I started training at Hale End and played my first match against St Albans, which we won 4-1. Shortly thereafter, I was invited to join the under-18s in Germany.”
He continued, “On the final day, Per Mertesacker and Jack Wilshere called me in for a discussion. Per was quite reserved initially, leaving me uncertain about what might happen, but when they offered me a scholarship, I was ecstatic. The first thing I did was reach out to my parents, who were crying with pride, and my friends were equally stunned. It was an incredible and unforgettable moment.”
Embracing Life at Arsenal
Hamill expressed his enjoyment of life at Arsenal, stating, “Since my arrival, I’ve cherished every moment. I’ve been able to fit in well, thanks to my teammates, coaching staff, and everyone supporting me off the field. I take pride in being one of the under-18s captains, as leadership is one of my defining attributes, and I’ve also had the privilege of leading my national team.”
He also mentioned, “I’ve already had the opportunity to train with the first team, which was an amazing experience. The primary difference is the meticulous attention to detail they maintain, which is exactly what one would expect from players competing at the highest echelons of the sport. For me, the focus is on learning, enhancing my skills, and striving to match that elite standard.”