Matt Turner’s Nottingham Forest move provides great challenge in club career

The departure of Keylor Navas this summer forced Steve Cooper and Nottingham Forest to look everywhere for a new No. 1 goalkeeper, and although their acquisitions might not yet be done, Matt Turner’s move to the club is a great move for both parties.

Turner signed a four-year contract with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, ending his one-year stay with fellow English Premier League club Arsenal. The former undrafted MLS goalkeeper had been linked with Forest over recent weeks and officially earned his move to the City Ground just three days ahead of the club’s season-opener.

With Aaron Ramsdale manning the No. 1 spot at the Emirates last season, Turner was reduced to only seven appearances for the Gunners in the UEFA Europa League and FA Cup competitions. Turner impressed in those appearances, registering four clean sheets and helping the Gunners advance to the knockout stage of the European tournament.

However, Arsenal’s latest deal for Brentford’s David Raya would’ve moved Turner down the pecking order in Mikel Arteta’s squad, which isn’t ideal for the USMNT’s No. 1. Now Turner has a great opportunity to fight for the starting job in Steve Cooper’s squad and continue earning reps in a top-five league.

“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,” Turner said in a club interview.

“The manager and the backroom staff, everything about the club has a little sparkle to it. It’s felt right from the start and I’m happy it’s got done,” he added.

Nottingham Forest has veteran Wayne Hennessey under contract this season, as well as fellow American goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. The 35-year-old Hennessey will likely serve as a key veteran in Turner’s development at the club, while Horvath has previously been linked with a summer move of his own.

Dean Henderson and Kasper Schmeichel have both been linked with moves to Nottingham Forest and could add competition if those moves come to fruition. Schmeichel would bring ample years of experience to the group while Henderson made 20 appearances on loan last season with the club.

Turner has rapidly grown into a rising talent within the USMNT program, making the most of his MLS opportunities with the New England Revolution. After lifting a Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and holding the USMNT’s No. 1 job at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Turner will be eager to help Nottingham Forest avoid a relegation fight this season and take another major step forward in their return to the top flight.

Although relegation worries could creep in during the 2023-24 campaign, both the ups-and-downs will help Turner in what hopefully is a long-term stay in England and Europe.

“It feels great to be here,” Turner said. “It’s something I’m really looking forward to, it’s a great challenge and a great step in my career. I’m looking forward to making a connection with my teammates, the fans and the city.

“The expectation they [the fans] can have is that I’m going to go out there every single day in training, every single time I step onto the pitch, I’m going to wear my heart on my sleeve and give it my absolute all,” he added.

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