The 2023-24 English Premier League season begins on Friday and several key faces of the U.S. men’s national team squad will be among the ones to watch as action gets underway across the country.
Tim Ream and Matt Turner headline the list of American EPL players that will kick off their competitive schedules this weekend with three points high on their agenda list. Turner is one of two USMNT players to be on the move this summer, joining fellow Arsenal teammate Auston Trusty who joined Sheffield United.
Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards join Ream as returning faces in the Premier League. Ream missed the tail end of last season due to a broken arm, but was part of Fulham’s plans during its summer tour of the United States.
Robinson committed his long-term future to Fulham by signing an extension through 2028. The USMNT left back remains one of the key players in Marco Silva’s squad ahead of the new campaign.
Richards and Trusty will both be fighting for starting roles in their squads, with hopes it will boost their stocks with the USMNT this fall.
Turner’s move to Nottingham Forest could force fellow American goalkeeper Ethan Horvath to look elsewhere for consistent playing time. Horvath enjoyed a positive loan spell with Luton Town last season, but was not acquired on a permanent deal by the newly-promoted club.
Folarin Balogun and Zack Steffen are two players currently under contract in the EPL, but could very well be on the move by August’s end.
Here is a look at the key Americans Abroad players in this season’s EPL:
**This story will be updated as transfers/signings become official.
Tim Ream, Fulham
Fulham’s late-season struggles hurt them in the race for a European qualification spot, but goals will be high once again for the Cottagers.
Tim Ream’s return to action will surely provide a major boost to Marco Silva’s squad. Ream, 35, saw his season ended prematurely after suffering a broken arm in a home loss to Manchester City last April.
The veteran centerback totaled 33 league appearances for Fulham last season, scoring one goal and being a stalwart in the backline. Ream’s experience and leadership will be huge once again this season, especially if Fulham wants to eclipse 50 points again.
Antonee Robinson, Fulham
With a new contract signed and sealed, Antonee Robinson is set to continue his development at Fulham.
Robinson, 25, enters his fourth season with the Cottagers after featuring in both the Premier League and EFL Championship over the previous three campaigns. The USMNT left back has totaled over 100 appearances since his move from Wigan Athletic in 2010, becoming a consistent starter for club and country.
His strong one-on-one defending makes him a growing talent in the EPL, but his final-third delivery will be something to watch this season.
Matt Turner, Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest may have found its new No. 1 goalkeeper following Matt Turner’s arrival at The City Ground.
Turner joined Steve Cooper’s squad on Wednesday, signing a four-year contract from fellow EPL side Arsenal. The former MLS standout made just seven appearances for the Gunners in cup competitions last season, but now has a great opportunity to win the starting job for Forest.
Turner has continued to grow as a top shot-stopper and Nottingham Forest will certainly be expecting more of that to avoid a relegation fight in 2023-24.
Chris Richards, Crystal Palace
Chris Richards earned new experiences last season with Crystal Palace and will now be seeking a larger role in Roy Hodgson’s squad.
Richards joined Crystal Palace last summer on a permanent move from Bayern Munich, making 10 appearances (five starts) across all competitions. The 23-year-old memorably featured in January-February against Manchester United twice and Newcastle United once, helping the Eagles earn draws in two of those matches.
Marc Guehi and Joachim Anderson head into the new season as likely starters, but Richards could force his way into the mix as a third centerback.
Auston Trusty, Sheffield United
A similar move to Matt Turner’s, Auston Trusty now has a strong opportunity to play this season.
Trusty joined Sheffield United last week, giving the former MLS homegrown a new platform to excel. The USMNT defender totaled 44 league appearances in the EFL Championship last season, earning Birmingham City Supporters’ Player of the Year honors.
Trusty now joins a Blades backline which is led by seasoned veterans that will ultimately try and keep them in the top flight. Sheffield United’s three-man backline could open an early door for Trusty to jump into the mix and become an immediate starter.
Ethan Horvath, Nottingham Forest
Ethan Horvath remins a Nottingham Forest player for now, but that could very well change by the end of the month.
Horvath returned from his season-long loan with Luton Town and now is unknown about his club future. After helping the Hatters to Premier League promotion last spring, Horvath seems unlikely to be the starter for Steve Cooper long-term.
The 27-year-old could be a major addition for several clubs, but as of now, no interest has reportedly been expressed. Horvath will remain at The City Ground for the time being unless an offer comes in before September 1.
**Folarin Balogun, Zack Steffen not expected to have first team roles by End of Summer Transfer Window.