The transfer window slammed shut on Friday, and while there were no truly blockbuster moves involving members of the U.S. men's national team, a couple of American players did switch clubs on Deadline Day. One of the most notable moves was that of USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner, who joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest. Turner was hoping to secure a starting role at Palace but with Dean Henderson already entrenched as the club's first-choice keeper, it remains to be seen whether this move will help Turner's chances of keeping his starting job under incoming U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Turner, who has 44 caps for the USMNT, was looking to reignite his career after finding himself third in the pecking order at Forest. He had made 17 Premier League appearances for Forest last term but had been relegated to a backup role this season. While Turner was linked with a move away earlier in the transfer window, Forest were reluctant to let him leave. But with the clock ticking down on transfer deadline day, Palace made a late move for the American goalkeeper.
The move to Palace doesn't guarantee Turner a starting role, but it at least puts him nearer to a starting spot than he was at Forest. Turner will have to compete with Henderson for the starting goalkeeper position, and it's likely that he'll mainly feature in cup games. However, this move does give Turner a chance to get some valuable playing time and impress Pochettino.
It is a move that means when he does feature for Crystal Palace, part of the USMNT defense could be in front of him in Richards and it's also one that gets Tunrner back to playing his soccer in London after initially being based there during his time with Arsenal. Things like already being settled in the city also need can help with any adjustment, but it will all comes down to minutes accumulated.
Turner's Time at Forest
Turner joined Forest from Arsenal last summer in a permanent deal for a reported £10 million. He made 21 appearances for the club in all competitions, but struggled to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. Forest manager Steve Cooper favored Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos Miguel over Turner, and Turner's chances of getting minutes were further reduced by the arrival of Matz Sels.
A New Start at Palace
Turner will be hoping to make a fresh start at Palace. He will be reunited with USMNT teammate Chris Richards at Selhurst Park. Turner has played in a similar situation before, moving from Arsenal to Forest as a backup, and it's possible he can turn things around at Palace. However, Turner's time at Forest suggests that he needs to find a club where he is the undisputed starting goalkeeper. If he can't secure a starting role at Palace, Turner may find himself further down the pecking order for the USMNT.
Turner's Future with the USMNT
Turner's move to Palace is a gamble for both the player and the USMNT. Turner needs playing time if he wants to remain the USMNT's first-choice goalkeeper. However, Pochettino will be looking for a goalkeeper who can consistently perform at a high level. If Turner doesn't get the minutes he needs at Palace, he could be replaced by Ethan Horvath, Gaga Slolina, or Patrick Schulte.
Other USMNT Moves
Turner wasn't the only USMNT player to make a move during the transfer window. Auston Trusty joined Celtic from Sheffield United, Jesus Ferreira stayed put with FC Dallas, and Matt Wiley joined Chelsea on loan to Strasbourg.
The Bottom Line
Matt Turner's move to Crystal Palace is a risky one. He's going to a club where he's likely to be a backup, and he's going to have to fight for his place in the team. If he doesn't get the minutes he needs, he could lose his spot as the USMNT's starting goalkeeper. However, if he can prove himself at Palace, he could become a valuable asset for Pochettino's USMNT. Only time will tell how this move will play out.
The Future is Uncertain
It's still early days in the season and Turner has a chance to prove himself at Palace. He's a talented goalkeeper who has the potential to be a key player for both the USMNT and for Palace. It remains to be seen whether he will have enough time to earn his spot and secure a starting role but only time will tell.
