USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner is officially returning to Major League Soccer, with the New England Revolution confirming the high-profile move on Friday. This reunion marks a significant moment for the 31-year-old, who first rose to prominence in MLS before his European ventures. His return is poised to inject both experience and a renewed competitive spirit into the Revolution’s squad as they navigate the remainder of their season.
Turner’s recent career trajectory has been characterized by uncertainty, following a tumultuous period after French club Lyon acquired him from Nottingham Forest for a reported $9.1 million. However, Lyon’s unexpected financial instability led to their forced relegation, prompting the Ligue 1 side to attempt the cancellation of the transfer, casting doubt on the goalkeeper’s immediate future. This complex situation ultimately paved the way for his unexpected return to American soil.
The New England Revolution, the club where Turner first cemented his status as an MLS star in 2016, will welcome him back on a loan deal, allowing him to participate in preseason preparations. It was with the Revolution that Turner earned the Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2021, a testament to his exceptional talent, which subsequently facilitated his move to Premier League giants Arsenal, marking a high point in his career.
Despite his past successes, Matt Turner has recently struggled for consistent playing time. During his loan spell with Crystal Palace last season, he featured in only three competitive matches, all within cup competitions. Prior to that, his tenures with both Nottingham Forest and Arsenal saw limited opportunities, and he most recently ceded his starting USMNT role to Philadelphia Union’s Matt Freese, highlighting the need for regular competitive minutes.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino underscored the importance of consistent play for Turner’s international future. “I think it’s true that [Turner is] not playing and we were talking with him and we translate the idea that for the future, in one year time, I think he needs to find the way to compete every week,” Pochettino stated in June after the Gold Cup. This sentiment strongly suggests that a return to a starting role in MLS could significantly boost his prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Matt Turner joins the Revolution as a Designated Player for the remainder of the current season, maintaining the lavish contract he initially signed with Lyon. While his current roster designation reflects his high-value status, there remains the possibility that his classification could shift to a TAM (Targeted Allocation Money) player in the future, providing flexibility for the club’s roster management.
Revolution sporting director Curt Onalfo expressed the club’s enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “When the opportunity arose to bring Matt Turner back to the Revolution, we were glad to act swiftly to welcome one of the most talented players ever to represent the club.” He added, “Matt’s talent and leadership will make our squad stronger now and in the future. We look forward to having Matt and his family back in New England,” emphasizing the significant impact expected from his presence.
From a USMNT perspective, Turner’s return to MLS offers a crucial benefit: it centralizes the assessment of goalkeepers. With each of the primary starting options now playing in MLS, albeit in differing tactical setups, the national team coaching staff will have a near-identical competitive environment to evaluate their performances, aiding in strategic decisions for upcoming international fixtures.
Currently, the Revolution’s starting goalkeeper is Aljaž Ivačič, and the team finds itself in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, with only ten matches remaining. They face a challenging 10-point deficit to overcome if they hope to secure a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, aiming to avoid missing the postseason for the third time in four seasons. Turner’s arrival could provide the necessary boost to ignite a late-season surge.
