The goalkeeper discussed his club future as he prepares for a big summer with the national team
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Turner discusses futureExpected to make big move this summerCurrently fighting for USMNT starting roleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. international Matt Turner says there are multiple options for him ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, and the goalkeeper isn't ruling out any of them as he prepares to make a massive decision.
Turner featured sparingly at Crystal Palace this season, playing just four times in all competitions during his loan spell away from Nottingham Forest. Turner helped Crystal Palace on their run to the FA Cup by featuring in the earlier rounds of the competition before the team's No. 1 goalkeeper Dean Henderson retook his place in net for the latter stages.
With Forest set all set in the position with Belgian international Matz Sels at No. 1, Turner is widely expected to depart this summer in pursuit of more minutes elsewhere. Getting the decision right will be crucial for Turner, who faces a fight with the USMNT as he looks to remain the No. 1 heading towards the World Cup.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT TURNER SAID
"Hopefully, I have some news for you in terms of my future this summer," Turner told reporters on Wednesday before going on to clarify his mentality heading into the transfer window. The USMNT goalkeeper was asked about potential MLS interest, with Turner responding that everything is on the table at the moment.
"Yeah, I think I'd always be open to coming back home, but I've had a lot of positive talks with a lot of different clubs," Turner said. "I think the important thing for me is finding the right situation for me to play in and to maximize what I feel is my potential as well. It's not as cut and dry anymore in player movement in general. If you look around the European soccer world, especially, there are a lot of new financial rules and regulations in place. Clubs have to do business and get creative with the way they do business in certain situations.
He added, "It's not always just, I point my finger to this club, this is a good situation, I want to go here, let's make that happen. There are other factors at play. You have to weigh up the family side. You have to weigh up the personal side, and then, obviously, the playing side. Then it's about what works for the club as well."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Turner has been the USMNT's No. 1 since seizing the role ahead of the 2022 World Cup but, heading into this summer, his status as the starter is up for debate. His lack of minutes has reignited the goalkeeper debate, with Turner heading into the summer facing several challenges for the position. Both Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen, widely seen as his chief competitors, were forced out of the squad due to injury, while MLS standouts Matt Freese and Chris Brady are set to push Turner through this summer.
"For me, I don't see myself as the No. 1 all the time," Turner said. "That's my mindset going into every camp right now: every inch, every opportunity, needs to be fought for. Every opportunity I've had under this current staff, I've earned by my performances in training or the opportunities I had with Crystal Palace. I never think to myself, 'Oh, I'm going to come in and play' or do this or do that. I think everyone can attest to the work that I put in to earn each opportunity I get.
"In terms of pecking order, a lot of guys are performing well, especially the guys here in MLS, so it's nice to be around them and to keep pushing myself to get better and hold true to the standards of what we want to build on for this national team."
ImagnWHAT NEXT FOR TURNER?
Turner and the USMNT are set to face Turkey on Saturday in the first of two pre-Gold Cup friendlies. They'll then face Switzerland on Tuesday ahead of a Gold Cup group that includes Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti.