Let's start it off with this beauty of a tweet by New England Revolution club legend Taylor Twellman:
Does it make sense for all involved?
The New England Revolution have to see this as a positive. New England's goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock noted last year that Turner was on a level with some of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League. Hitchcock has coached at multiple English league teams, including West Ham, Manchester City, and Fulham.
The front office of the Revs have known that this day would come. If the money is enough, the Revolution need to take this transfer seriously. The number being thrown around is around 5 million euros, with bonuses adding up to over 7 million dollars. This is pure speculation, but I'm sure the Revolution will push that price up a bit but will get it over the line in the end. So, after the ideal money comes through the door, the next obvious question is, does Turner want this?
This Is Turner's Dream
Matt Turner has shown his allegiances before in his tweets. People have dug through and found a particular tweet where he notes the "Come On You Gunners" hashtag #COYG on the day THAT Leicester City team won the Premier League season in 2016. He clearly states Tottenham fans are classless in the tweet. Arsenal is their bitter rivals.
With that being said, Turner's only qualm should be with the idea of being able to continue playing with the US Men's National Team. As it stands currently, he would be the #3 goalkeeper behind Aaron Ramsdale and Bernd Leno. Although, recently, Leno has been linked with a move away to Newcastle. So, when this transfer from the Revolution to Arsenal is a surefire complete transfer, it seems likely that Leno will be sold. Still, Turner will be at best, a backup keeper to Ramsdale for the near future. With no cup games in sight for Arsenal and the team being just outside the top four in the EPL, it seems unlikely that Turner will get many starts this year.
Do I think this will end up ruining Turner's chances at getting a call-up for the World Cup Qualifiers this year? No, I don't. Do I think that this will keep Matt off the roster of a hopeful place at the World Cup this year? No, I don't. The Revolution goalkeeper has been on an upward path since he went undrafted. If he finds his place at Arsenal, he will be training with some of the EPL's finest strikers. Training with this squad, he will be getting peppered from all angles. More importantly, though, he will also be pounced upon if he makes mistakes with passes at the back. If Arsenal has done their homework, they know that Turner can seem hesitant at times, they'll work with him on that.
Complete The Transfer, It's a No Brainer
In the end, Matt Turner needs this transfer to continue on his way in his ascension to being one of the top goalkeepers in the world. He was already included on the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics) Goalkeeper of the Year list in 2021. Turner won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021. Matt used both hands and kept the Revolution atop of the league to win the Supporter's Shield last year. He deserves this move. Revolution, get your money. Matt Turner, get your well-earned payday. The Supporters? Well, that's another story.
The Supporters Will Hurt, But This Too Shall Pass
Being a fan of the team myself, of course, Matt Turner leaving this team after last year's bow out in the MLS Cup Playoffs is upsetting. Losing Tajon Buchanan and Matt Turner is a huge gap to fill. But, the sporting director and coach of the New England Revolution is Bruce Arena. Arena has already bolstered the midfielder and defense with his brand of players in Omar Gonzalez and Sebastian Lletget. If he can get another outbound transfer to add to funds for this year, what's to say he can't manage another decent inbound transfer?
Matt Turner has allowed this team to play a carelessly attacking sort of soccer, banking on Matt's ability at the back. It's time to move forward with a team that will defend as well as they attack. No more letting wins slip away to ties, no more 1-0 wins on the back of Turner. In Bruce We Trust, until we can't. If Matt slips away to Arsenal, this supporter will be happy that he graced us with the talent that he brings. I cannot wait to watch Matthew Turner in the Premier League.
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