Report: Revolution "Exploring" Reunion With Matt Turner
The club is reportedly exploring options to reunite with 2021 Goalkeeper of the Year and Supporters' Shield Champion Matt Turner
As the first few days of the transfer window have passed, reports of a potential reunion with a fan favorite have come to light.
According to The Blazing Musket’s Seth Macomber, the New England Revolution are reportedly “exploring the possibility” of bringing back USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Sources close to insider Tom Bogert also confirmed the Revolution’s interest in bringing back the beloved goalkeeper. Bogert adds the Revs are “hoping for a loan with a buy option that would keep Turner TAM (Targeted Allocation Money) eligible.”
Bogert goes on to add that getting any deal over the line could be “complicated”. The biggest thing hindering a potential return to New England is the ongoing dispute between Nottingham Forest and Lyon.
Turner’s offseason started with a reported eight million Euro move to French side Lyon in June. However, financial issues at Lyon led to their relegation to Ligue 2. A change that led Lyon to dispute the transfer of Matt Turner.
Following an appeal, Lyon avoided relegation to Ligue 2, but L’Equipe reported the club brought in representation in search of a way to void Turner’s move to the French side.
Bogert adds that the two sides are still going back and forth over the move. Something that will need to be resolved before the Revolution turns its reported interest into action.
Another issue revolving around the possibility of the move revolves around the Revolution’s current goalkeeping core. Aljaz Ivacic has been the number one option for Caleb Porter. He’s appeared in all 24 MLS matches this season. Behind him is the experienced Alex Bono and a developing Donovan Parisian.
If the Revolution are serious in their pursuit of Matt Turner, they’ll likely have to clear up some space in the goalkeeping core. It’s worth noting that current starter Aljaz Ivacic is on the final guaranteed year of his contract with an option for 2026.
After going undrafted in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, the Fairfield alum signed with the Revolution. Following a loan spell with the Richmond Kickers, Turner returned to the Revs, where he steadily developed into a solid keeper for the Revs.
Through his seven seasons in New England, Turner notched 24 clean sheets in his 111 appearances across all competitions. His time with the club saw him secure the Goalkeeper of the Year, and helped the Revs take home the Supporters’ Shield in 2021.
Turner’s time in New England came to an end on February 11th, 2022, when the club agreed to transfer the USMNT keeper to Premier League side Arsenal. His final appearance with the club came during a 1-1 draw against Philadelphia on May 29, 2022.
Turner’s time in Europe has been turbulent as he’s mostly served as a backup. His time with Arsenal saw him appear in just seven matches in Europa League and FA Cup action.
August 9, 2023, saw Turner move once again as he joined Nottingham Forest. He went on to appear in 21 matches across Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup action.
August 30, 2024, saw another stop in Turner’s journey as he joined Crystal Palace on loan from Forest. His time with Palace saw him help guide the club to its first FA Cup victory.
It’s unclear whether or not the reported interest will result in a return, but it’s something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Can we get the rest of the band back together?
Don't tease me like this!