Crystal Palace have completed the signing of 19-year-old American prospect Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake.
The London club secured the versatile forward on a five-year deal for a reported $15 million (€13 million) fee signing a five year contract, fending off interest from Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa.
Gozo arrives in South London following a breakout campaign in Major League Soccer (MLS) and becomes the latest addition to newly appointed manager Pierre Sage’s squad ahead of the Premier League season.
Tactical fit in South London
Crystal Palace’s investment reflects a clear tactical intent under Pierre Sage. According to Sofascore the Eagles produced 70 big chances last season but lacked ruthless execution in the final third, scoring 41 goals from 442 shots while finishing 15th with 45 points. With Palace averaging 45.92% possession and relying heavily on quick transitions registering 37 fast breaks without converting one into a goal so Gozo’s dynamic profile directly addresses their transition struggles.
Able to operate as a right winger, an attacking midfielder, or cutting inside off the left flank, Gozo provides direct running, relentless pressing intensity, and verticality to elevate the team’s attack.
Breakout development in Salt Lake
Gozo’s pathway through the Utah soccer system represents a landmark development story for Real Salt Lake. Progressing from local club La Roca FC to the RSL Academy, Real Monarchs, and into the first team, his 2026 numbers according to Sofascore demonstrated rapid tactical maturity.
In 16 appearances and 1,417 minutes, he delivered six goals and four assists, taking 53 total shots with 20 on target and converting all six goals from inside the box. Beyond his finishing, Gozo recorded 25 key passes, eight big chances created, and 30 successful dribbles, backing up his dynamic production with 3.79 expected assists and 4.01 expected goals.
His off-the-ball engine proved equally valuable to RSL’s tactical setup. Gozo logged 43 tackles, won 27 of them, and recorded 68 ball recoveries alongside 10 possessions won in the attacking third. His physical tools stand out in transition, backed by a top recorded speed of 35.91 km/h and 292 completed sprints over his 16-match domestic stint. That form earned him a 7.24 Sofascore rating for the season and a selection to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX, capping off his domestic campaign before securing his move to Europe.
International trajectory and connections
While Gozo is yet to earn his senior cap for the United States Men’s National Team, his pedigree across youth levels has been well established. During the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he posted one goal, two assists, nine key passes, and five big chances created across five matches with a 7.14 average rating, demonstrating his capability to deliver end product against top international peers.
At Selhurst Park, Gozo links up with fellow U.S. international Chris Richards, who has anchored Palace’s backline since joining the club in 2022. Under USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Gozo’s move to top-flight English football places him in prime position to break into the senior national team setup as the program builds toward the 2030 World Cup cycle.
