Matt Turner Set for Transfer to Lyon
Matt Turner, the goalkeeper for the United States national soccer team, is poised for a transfer to Lyon, with the Ligue 1 club reportedly reaching an agreement with Nottingham Forest for a fee of approximately $9.1 million, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. The 30-year-old player found himself in a challenging situation after a loan spell at Crystal Palace last season, where he only made four appearances, all in cup matches.
Reuniting with Colleagues
This new opportunity will see him reuniting with international colleague Tanner Tessmann in France, a move that has drawn praise from U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) coach Mauricio Pochettino. A few weeks ago, Pochettino expressed concerns about Turner’s playing time, indicating that the starting goalkeeper position for the USMNT was “up for grabs” and that he was considering various alternatives.
Notably, New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese took the field in a recent game against Turkey, highlighting the ongoing competition for the USMNT’s starting role. Pochettino had previously remarked on Turner’s situation, stressing the need for him to be consistently competing on a weekly basis for his development and the team’s needs.
Turner’s Career Journey
Turner’s journey to this point has been remarkable, as he began his professional career with the New England Revolution in 2016, following a collegiate stint at Fairfield University. He ascended to the role of starting goalkeeper by 2018 and earned the accolade of MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021. In February 2022, he signed with Arsenal, but limited playing time led him to join Nottingham Forest for the 2022-23 season. After an unsteady start, he lost his place in goal, eventually securing a loan to Crystal Palace in August 2024.
International Career and Future Prospects
Hailing from Park Ridge, New Jersey, Turner made his international debut in 2021, amassing 51 caps for the U.S. national team, four of which were during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The news of his transfer was initially reported by GiveMeSport, and while Turner’s agent, Dan Segal from Wasserman Media Group, has opted not to comment on the transfer, this move represents a critical juncture in Turner’s career, as he seeks regular playtime to solidify his position with the national team.
