Matt Turner’s time at Arsenal is over after just one year, with the U.S. national team goalkeeper completing a transfer to Nottingham Forest reportedly worth up to £10 million.
Turner has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League side.
“When I heard that there was interest to bring me here, it just felt right for my family, it felt right when my agent spoke to me about it and it feels like the right move for me right now,” the 29-year-old told the club’s website.
For Turner, getting out of Arsenal was a must if he wanted any semblance of playing time this season. His debut season in north London saw him make just seven appearances, five of which came in the Europa League. With the Gunners in the Champions League this season, Turner’s minutes were likely to be reduced even more.
#NFFC is delighted to announce the signing of @USMNT international Matt Turner 🇺🇸
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 9, 2023
At Forest, Turner will undoubtedly have a clearer path to playing time than he did at Arsenal. But he may not have an unchallenged starting spot waiting for him either.
Multiple reports have said that irrespective of Turner’s arrival, Forest is still pursuing a move for Manchester United’s Dean Henderson.
That could be bad news for Turner, as Henderson impressed with Forest last season on loan before an injury cut his season short. Steve Cooper’s side may have to pay even more than it did for Turner to secure Henderson on a permanent basis.
If Henderson does arrive, it appears he and Turner will be in a battle for the starting role. That’s certainly an improvement over last season, when Turner was the unquestioned backup to Aaron Ramsdale, but it also means he’s not guaranteed to play a whole lot more at his new club than he did with Arsenal.
Another strange wrinkle to this deal is the presence of Turner’s USMNT teammate Ethan Horvath at Forest. After helping Luton Town to promotion last season, the newly minted Premier League club turned down the chance to sign Horvath permanently. Turner’s arrival at Forest will now help push Horvath even closer to the exit door.
For Turner, Horvath and any other goalkeeper who wishes to start for the USMNT (ahem, Zack Steffen), minutes are a must. Turner has made a positive step in that direction, but he’ll still have to earn his place as a Premier League starter.
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