Ex Arsenal man sold and immediately loaned back to former club | OneFootball

Former Arsenal goalkeeper, Matt Turner, has completed a transfer from Nottingham Forest to Lyon, only to immediately be sent back on loan to New England Revolution until June 2026.

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The United States international goalkeeper left Arsenal in August 2023 for a fee of around £7.1 million after a single season at the Emirates, where he made seven appearances, all in the Europa League and FA Cup, keeping four clean sheets and conceding four goals. The Gunners had paid around £5.15m for him.

His time at Forest started promisingly but errors in high-profile fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United and the Gunners cost him his place, and he spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, making only four cup appearances.

Matt Turner with Arsenal (via Arsenal.com)

At the start of August, Lyon signed him for around €8 million (£6.9 million) but immediately loaned him to the club where his professional career took off, and where he won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021.

Turner will occupy a Designated Player spot in New England, with the club holding an option to make the move permanent next summer.

“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,” Sporting Director Curt Onalfo said.

“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.”

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Head Coach Caleb Porter added, “I look forward to welcoming Matt back to the Revolution and I am excited for this opportunity to work with one of the best goalkeepers our league has produced.

“Matt holds himself to an extremely high standard that has led him to success at the international level, in Europe, and of course, in MLS. Matt’s shot-stopping quality and overall character and mentality make him a tremendous addition to our goalkeeping corps.”

“It is a privilege to return to the club that launched my career,” Turner said.

“The club that helped me discover who I am as a professional, the club that has always felt like a home away from home. To have the chance to play in front of the Revolution supporters once again is a priceless feeling and one I’ve never taken for granted.

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“My family and I have felt their unwavering support throughout these last three years, and I can’t wait to wear the Revolution crest again at Gillette Stadium. I am grateful for this opportunity to earn my place on the field and look forward to winning many more games with the Revolution.”

Turner’s return to the United States should give him the regular football he needs as he attempts to reclaim the national team’s No 1 shirt, having been overtaken by New York City’s Matt Freese for the recent CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The move marks a quick turnaround for the 31-year-old, who joined Arsenal from New England in 2022, but struggled to establish himself in England, despite being a key figure for the USA at the 2022 World Cup.