# Matt Turner Transfer: USMNT Star Urged to Consider Wrexham Move Amid Forest Uncertainty

The ongoing **Matt Turner transfer** saga has taken a new turn, with USMNT legend Tony Meola suggesting a surprising yet logical destination for the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper: Hollywood-backed Wrexham. After a challenging season in the Premier League that saw him lose his starting position, Turner finds himself at a career crossroads. With the 2026 World Cup on home soil looming large, the American shot-stopper’s next move is critical, and the ambitious League One club, co-owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, presents a fascinating, if unconventional, option.

Turner’s first full season at the City Ground did not go as planned. Arriving from Arsenal with the expectation of being the undisputed number one, he started the campaign between the sticks. However, a series of inconsistent performances and high-profile errors led to the club signing Matz Sels in the January transfer window. Turner was subsequently relegated to the bench, making just 17 Premier League appearances all season. This lack of consistent, top-level playing time is a major concern for both the player and the USMNT setup, making a summer move seem not just likely, but necessary.

## Why is a Matt Turner Transfer a Priority?

The core issue for the American goalkeeper is the urgent need for regular first-team football. A backup role, especially at this stage of his career, does little to help his development or his standing as the United States’ primary goalkeeper. The 2026 World Cup is the ultimate goal, and USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter will need his number one to be sharp, confident, and match-fit. Sitting on the bench at Nottingham Forest, regardless of the prestige of the Premier League, jeopardizes that.

Tony Meola, a man who knows what it takes to succeed as a USMNT goalkeeper with 100 caps to his name, highlighted this very point. Speaking to ESPN, Meola emphasized the non-negotiable need for game time. “Matt Turner has got to play every week from here on out, so we need him to get better,” he stated, underlining the developmental stagnation that comes with a backup role. A **Matt Turner transfer** this summer is less about ambition for a bigger club and more about the practical necessity of finding a team where he is the guaranteed starter.

### The Wrexham Proposition: A Perfect Narrative?

This is where Wrexham enters the conversation. Fresh off a second consecutive promotion, the Red Dragons are preparing for life in League One and are actively looking to strengthen their squad. While they recently made the loan signing of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo a permanent deal, the club is known for its ambition and could be looking to create intense competition for the starting spot.

Meola believes the move makes sense on multiple levels. “It would make sense for Wrexham, because it fits the storyline and I think it would be good for the documentary,” he explained. The global success of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ docuseries means that every signing is viewed through a narrative lens. Bringing in a high-profile American international like Turner would be a major storyline, attracting even more attention from the United States and fitting perfectly with the Hollywood ownership.

From a footballing perspective, Turner would likely be the undisputed starter, offering him the very platform he needs. Meola added, “If he plays every week, yeah, it would be an okay move. He’d have a lot of work to do.” While a drop to the third tier of English football might be seen as a step down, the guarantee of being the main man at a club with immense ambition and a global spotlight could be an attractive compromise.

### Evaluating Other Options

Of course, Wrexham is not the only potential destination. Turner’s desire to compete at the highest level remains. He has previously been linked with clubs in other top European leagues, including a rumored interest from French side Lyon. However, such moves are often complex and dependent on many factors. Turner’s priority must be securing a starting role, something that isn’t always guaranteed at another top-flight European club.

A move to another club in the English Championship is also a viable path. Many ambitious second-tier teams would see a Premier League and international goalkeeper as a significant coup. This would allow Turner to remain in a highly competitive league while likely securing the number one jersey. The grueling 46-game Championship season would provide more than enough action to keep him sharp for international duty. The key would be finding the right project at a club with stable ambitions. As the summer window progresses, more options will surely emerge, and his agent will be working hard to find the best fit both on and off the pitch. For all the latest developments on this and other stories, check back with us for more news.

The final, and perhaps least likely, option would be a return to the MLS. While it would guarantee playing time and keep him in front of a domestic audience ahead of 2026, it would likely be viewed as a step back from his European dream. Having worked so hard to establish himself in England, a return to the US might feel like a premature end to that chapter. Yet, if the right European offer doesn’t materialize, the security and playing time of an MLS move can’t be entirely dismissed. Ultimately, the decision for the next **Matt Turner transfer** will weigh ambition against pragmatism, with the 2026 World Cup as the guiding star.