Olympique Lyon have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Nottingham Forest for the transfer of USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The proposed transfer fee is said to be around €8 million, as reported by @tombogert and @JacobsBen.
This move indicates a significant shift in Lyon’s goalkeeping situation. Turner, who joined Nottingham Forest for approximately £10 million in August 2023, has had a mixed spell at the City Ground.
While he was often the first-choice keeper, the arrival of Matz Sels in January 2024 saw his playing time diminish.
Turner’s move to Lyon could be driven by his desire for regular first-team football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is the undisputed number one for the United States.
Lyon, who recently sold Anthony Lopes to Besiktas, are looking for a reliable presence between the sticks.
The potential arrival of Matt Turner also casts a shadow over the future of current Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Reports suggest that Perri, who only joined Lyon in January 2024, could be set to leave the club in the “next days/weeks.”
Perri has impressed since his arrival, especially with his ball distribution and commanding presence.
However, Lyon’s financial situation, coupled with their consistent transfer dealings under John Textor’s ownership (which includes both Lyon and Nottingham Forest), means that player sales are often a necessity.
While Perri has been linked with clubs in Italy, a move for him could be motivated by Lyon’s need to generate funds, especially given his reported market value could bring in around €10-12 million.
Should Turner’s move be finalized, it would likely see him become Lyon’s new first-choice goalkeeper, potentially paving the way for Perri’s departure.
