Jeff Carlyle
The goalkeeper for the US men’s national team, Matt Turner, is set to join the New England Revolution on loan from Lyon until June 30, 2026.
This move was initially reported by L’Equipe, but The Blazing Musket, a local New England source, first highlighted the Revolution’s interest in Turner.
At 31, Turner could serve as a designated player for the remainder of the season or be counted as one for 2026.
If the loan proceeds as planned, it caps off a tumultuous few months for American goalkeepers. Turner sought more club playing time after only four appearances in a cup competition while on loan at Crystal Palace from Nottingham Forest last season.
This lack of playing opportunity led him to fall behind New York City FC’s Matt Freeze on the USMNT’s depth chart during the recent Gold Cup.
In a bid to rectify his situation, Turner made a $9.1 million move to Lyon this June.
However, Lyon expressed hesitation about the deal as they were concerned over a change in ownership and possible relegation due to financial challenges.
Eventually, Michel Kang took over the role from John Text, allowing Lyon to appeal a financial decision that impacted the club’s operations.
Now, Turner is returning to MLS and rejoining New England, where he began his professional career in 2016.
This move is welcomed by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, who previously mentioned that Turner’s position as the starting goalkeeper for the national team was “open” due to his limited playing time.
“It’s true that he wasn’t on the field. We’ve had conversations with him. He needs to find a way to compete weekly for his future,” Pochettino stated last month.
Turner’s rise has been remarkable; he began his career with the Revolution after playing college soccer at Fairfield University.
By 2018, he was the starting goalkeeper for New England and won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2021.
In February 2022, he transferred to Arsenal but struggled for playing time, which led to a loan to Nottingham Forest for the 2022-23 season.
Turner started that season as Forest’s goalkeeper, but inconsistent performances caused him to lose his position. A loan to Crystal Palace was arranged in August of the previous year.
A Park Ridge, New Jersey native, Turner made his international debut in 2021 and has since appeared 52 times for the US, including four matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Fan Take: This transfer is significant as it allows Turner to regain valuable playing time, which is crucial for his development and the USMNT’s success, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With his experience and skills bolstered by this move, he could be pivotal in raising the competitive standards within American soccer.
