We’ve heard about it for months now, but it’s official as of today: Matt Turner is officially on the roster for Arsenal Football Club in the English Premier League. And with the confirmation of the completion of the deal that shipped the New England Revolution goal keeper to London comes a load of questions about how this will impact the USMNT goal keeper situation.

While Zack Steffen, who has been the locked in USMNT starter in goal since Gregg Berhalter took over team, Turner has muddied the water in the position due to his impressive play in MLS. Fans of his shot-stopping ability had clamored for him to get a chance and at the 2021 Goal Cup, Turner did just that. Turner started all six matches of that tournament, earning 5 clean sheets and Best Goalkeeper. Since then, Turner has shined in his chances with the national team. Steffen hasn’t helped the situation with some sloppy play for his professional club, Manchester City.

The problem, for Steffen and now for Turner, is lack of playing time. Certainly it is a massive sign of respect for famous clubs like City and Arsenal to pursue these American keepers, but they generally are left sitting on the bench for entire seasons. From a professional perspective, good for the both of them! Getting signed to be the number 2 keeper on a club competing for titles (well, Man City is, anyway) is a great mark of a successful career. We would all be so lucky to make that kind of money, warming up the first stringer before the match.

He’s here! 😍

Welcome to N5, Matty 👋 pic.twitter.com/G3IuQKoHKi
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 27, 2022

From a USMNT-centric perspective, this is terrible news. Steffen has shown clear signs that lack of playing time has really damaged his playing instincts and skills. For Turner, his biggest case for playing time has been his sharpness and match-fitness. Now on the bench, presumedly, behind Aaron Ramsdale (who also has caps with the England national team), should we expect Turner to also take a downturn in form?

It’s high praise for the USMNT to have multiple keepers playing in England (let’s not forget Ethan Horvath). Professionally, massive win for all involved, regardless of pecking order on the roster chart. But with the World Cup looming, it’s hard not to be worried about three keepers showing up rusty and slow of foot when we need them at their best.

- Dan Vaughn