In a significant move for Major League Soccer and the United States men’s national team, goalkeeper Matt Turner has officially rejoined the New England Revolution on a loan deal from French side Lyon. This return marks a pivotal moment for the decorated shot-stopper, as he seeks to regain consistent playing time and re-establish his form ahead of crucial international competitions, particularly with the looming World Cup 2026.
The terms of this goalkeeper transfer see Turner, who was the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup, occupying a designated player spot for the remainder of the 2025 season. The plan is for his contract to be converted to a targeted allocation money (TAM) player in 2026, showcasing the Revolution’s long-term commitment. The loan itself is set to run until June 2026, strategically aligning with the commencement of the highly anticipated World Cup 2026, co-hosted in North America. Any potential purchase option for the 31-year-old would need to be substantially lower than the €8 million Lyon paid Nottingham Forest to keep him TAM-eligible beyond the loan period.
Expressing profound gratitude, Matt Turner released a heartfelt statement regarding his homecoming. “It is a privilege to return to the club that launched my career,” he affirmed, highlighting the profound impact the New England Revolution had on his professional development and personal identity. He further articulated his excitement to once again perform for the devoted Revolution supporters, a privilege he stated he has never taken for granted, and shared his eagerness to wear the club’s crest at Gillette Stadium once more, cementing his ties to MLS Soccer.
Turner’s previous tenure with New England spanned seven successful seasons, where he initially earned the starting role in 2018 and quickly ascended to become one of Major League Soccer’s elite goalkeepers. His exceptional performances eventually led to a transfer to Premier League giants Arsenal in 2022. However, his time there was limited, making only seven appearances before a subsequent move to Nottingham Forest, where he began the 2023-24 campaign as a starter before being replaced, impacting his USMNT standing.
Following his stint at Forest, Matt Turner was loaned to Crystal Palace for the 2024-25 season. During this period, he featured in four matches, primarily serving as a backup to Dean Henderson. Notably, he played a role in three of Palace’s FA Cup fixtures as they embarked on a historic run to lift the trophy for the first time, although he remained an unused substitute in their triumphant 1-0 final victory over Manchester City.
Revolution manager Caleb Porter warmly welcomed Turner back to the squad, praising his exceptional abilities. “I am excited for this opportunity to work with one of the best goalkeepers our league has produced,” Porter stated, underscoring Matt Turner’s high standards and proven success across international, European, and MLS Soccer stages. Porter emphasized that Turner’s shot-stopping prowess, coupled with his strong character and winning mentality, makes him an invaluable asset to the team’s goalkeeping unit.
The move carries significant implications for Turner’s standing within the USMNT. Coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously made it clear that consistent game time was essential for Turner to reclaim his starting position, a role that New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese recently filled at the Gold Cup. This goalkeeper transfer to New England Revolution offers the ideal platform for Matt Turner to demonstrate his readiness.
Turner had been the undisputed No. 1 for the United States since surpassing Zack Steffen prior to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, his protracted lack of regular minutes in European club football gradually affected his national team status. Despite this, the USMNT goalkeeper depth chart remains relatively thin, positioning Matt Turner favorably to reclaim his top spot should he secure consistent playing time in MLS Soccer.
His return to the New England Revolution is not merely a transfer but a strategic move designed to revitalize his club career and solidify his position as a key figure for the national team leading into the World Cup 2026 on home soil. The Revolution faithful, who have always held Matt Turner in high regard, eagerly anticipate his contributions to their campaign.
