With option to buy - Matt Turner returns to New England Revolution from Olympique Lyon

In an odd turn of events, US men’s national team goalkeeper has returned to Major League Soccer, joining the New England Revolution. After completing his €8 million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Olympique Lyon, Turner was loaned right away to New England through June 2026. Turner will be a Designated Player on New England’s roster for the remainder of the 2025 MLS season and will be a TAM-eligible player in 2026. New England will have an option to make the transfer permanent for €3m.

“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.” 

The 31-year-old USMNT goalkeeper had his first breakthrough with the Revolution in the 2018 season and then played 111 games for the club before moving to Premier League side Arsenal during the 2022/23 season in a deal worth €5.9 million. With playing time limited, Turner was sold the following season for €8.15m to Nottingham Forest. There, too, he struggled for playing time and was loaned to Crystal Palace. An €8m move to OL this summer was finally supposed to deliver consistent playing time this upcoming season.

A way out for Olympique Lyon – Turner moved to the New England Revolution

That transfer, however, came amidst OL facing financial issues under the ownership of American investor John Textor. Indeed, the French club tried to get out of the previously agreed €8m deal with Crystal Palace. Lyon were previously relegated to Ligue 2 and only a lengthy appeal process saved one of France’s most prominent clubs from heading to the second division. But with finances still under question, Lyon have to shed salary and sell players and, as a result, looked for a way to offload Turner. Lyon’s problems opened the door for the Revolution to bring back their former star goalkeeper. Perhaps for good should the Revolution opt to sign Turner for €3m next summer.