USMNT summer transfer figures: Matt Turner’s impending move to Crystal Palace isn’t ideal

Now that the transfer window is over and it’s been a slow summer for Americans on the move, quite a few intriguing things have happened. Tanner Tessmann and Mark McKenzie are both now in France as they try to push for a starting role with the United States men’s national team and Matt Turner is expected back in London with Crystal Palace in a move that is not yet official. Even more intriguing are those who stayed at their clubs when Weston McKennie signed a contract extension with Juventus, while Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna remain at their clubs and fight for playing time.

From the Premier League’s crackdown on spending to the uncertainty over how players might perform, there are many factors playing a role in why many actions have not taken place other than in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the United States , Canada and Mexico. Many members of the USMNT need to play high-level football as quickly as possible, and these two years will be crucial for the team and the individuals.

This summer will not be a success for the World Cup fortunes, but after last season was a losing one for the likes of Turner and Reyna, it is crucial to ensure they are in the best possible positions for the future. Let’s look at assessing the moves completed:

Matt Turner from Nottingham Forest to Crystal Palace*

Matt Turner needed playing time either way he could get it and according to our James Benge will join Crystal Palace on loan. As a result, there is a chance for more minutes, which is essential if he wants to remain as the USMNT’s No. 1 goaltender. Turner will go from goalkeeper in a crowded room at Forest to Dean Henderson’s primary back-up at Palace. But while that means Turner will get minutes in the EFL and FA Cup, with Palace having no European commitments, the only way he is likely to become the starter for the England international is in the event of an injury.

Taking that into account, it’s difficult to fully assess this step, but at least it’s just a loan. If Turner does well in limited minutes, the door could open for him to make a better move elsewhere in the future ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Grade: C

*Relocation not yet official

Auston Trusty from Sheffield United to Celtic

We have another USMNT club reunion as Sheffield United’s Auston Trusty makes the move to Celtic. Trusty will team up with fellow USMNT man Cameron Carter-Vickers, with the duo also involved in Champions League matches. It will also give the Bhoys a decent Concacaf backbone in defence, with Canadian international Alistair Johnston on their right. After being relegated from the Premier League to the Championship with the Blades, Trusty will sign a five-year contract in Scotland which could be crucial for the future. The center back position for the USMNT is on the move and while the Scottish Premier League may not be of the highest quality compared to other leagues in the world, Celtic’s Champions League experience is what could lead to a national team breakthrough.
Grade: B

Mark McKenzie from Genk to Toulouse

Although Mark McKenzie did well playing for Genk, he failed to score consistently in the USMNT. Some of that is down to Tim Ream’s strong performances on the left of defense during his club football alongside Antonee Robinson, but McKenzie also failed to impress in his opportunities. As he makes the move to Ligue 1, McKenzie will be challenged every week at club level in a competition where finesse is important.

If McKenzie does well in this move, it will be a boon for the 25-year-old to get another chance alongside Chris Richards as the top USMNT centre-back. While a move to Germany might have been better, it’s hard not to like a place where he can challenge for a starting spot and have an outside chance of playing in European competition.
Grade: B

Brenden Aaronson returns to Leeds from Union Berlin

While this isn’t entirely a new move for Brenden Aaronson, as he was at Leeds United before their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 season, it is an opportunity for him to earn consistent playing time. Aaronson did help Union Berlin stay in the Bundesliga after a strong end to the season, but so far he has returned to the starting line-up and scored two goals for the Whites.

If Aaronson can stay in the XI under Daniel Farke, this will be a great situation to get things back on track.
Grade: C+

Gaga Slonina is on loan from Chelsea to Barnsley

Gaga Slonina is only twenty and is entering a phase of his career where he needs as many high-pressure minutes as possible. Given his talent level you would expect this to happen at Championship level, but playing games every three to four days for a Barnsley side pushing for promotion is a good compromise. Slonina got off to a good start for the Tykes, saving two penalties in his EFL Cup debut and then making seven saves in his first league start. It would be great if he didn’t have to make seven saves every game, but it’s good to know he can.

After a move to Eupen that helped him get used to Europe, this is a move to show he can thrive outside Major League Soccer. There is likely to be another step between here and the Premier League for the young goalkeeper, but time at Barnsley will tell where that step will be in the future.
Grade: C+

Tim Ream from Fulham to Charlotte FC

After a stellar career at Fulham, Tim Ream has come to the United States to help lead the defense of a competitive team from Charlotte. These are not the most striking elements, but it is an important one to take with the next generation of defenders. Ream is unlikely to be involved in the 2026 World Cup, but if he is, where he plays his club football probably won’t matter due to the amount of experience he has. It’s a good move to help Dean Smith’s turnaround in Charlotte continue to go well while being positive for Ream.
Grade: A

Gio Reyna from Nottinham Forest to Borussia Dortmund

Like Aaronson, Gio Reyna’s move isn’t exactly new, but after not playing for Nottingham Forest while on loan in the Premier League, Reyna has returned to Germany to fight for a place. Playing nine minutes in Dortmund’s Bundesliga opener is an improvement, but with new manager Nuri Sahin, only time will tell if the door is open for Reyna to earn more playing time this season. With Dortmund in the Champions League there should be time for rotation, which will give Reyna opportunities. Still only 21, he has plenty of time for Reyna to become a consistent starter, but he needs to be in the right spot to make that happen.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said this Reyna could become important to the team This season we will now have to see what exactly that means.
Grade: C

Tanner Tessmann from Venzia to Lyon

There has been a lot of turnover for Olympique Lyon this season with the departure of several first-team players, but that opens the door for Tanner Tessmann to join the club. After a deal with Inter fell through, Tessmann didn’t have many options as he was left out of Venezia’s plans. After impressing at the Olympics, the move to Lyon will be a step forward for the midfielder. If Lyon can get things in order, the team will have a chance of European football next season, unlike Tessmann who is only concerned with preventing relegation in Italy.
Grade: B