Crystal Palace have strengthened their squad ahead of the new Premier League season by completing the signing of American forward Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake, in a deal reportedly worth around $15m (£11.1m). The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, with the move still subject to international clearance.
Gozo's arrival marks the sixth piece of business for Palace this summer, following the additions of Oscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil, Evann Guessand and Anan Khalaili. The club will be hopeful that Gozo, regarded as one of the brightest young talents to emerge from Major League Soccer in recent years, can make an impact under new head coach Pierre Sage, who takes charge of his first Premier League fixture away at Everton.
Born in Utah to an American mother and Ivorian father, Gozo's rise through the ranks has been remarkably swift. He joined Real Salt Lake's academy in 2021 at just 14 years old and was fast-tracked into the club's second team, Real Monarchs, within a year. His first-team debut came in October 2023 at the age of 16, and he has since developed into a regular starter, initially deployed as a right wing-back before being given more freedom to operate further forward.
The teenager's progress has been reflected in his output. In his first full MLS season, Gozo contributed four goals and three assists in 1,810 minutes. This year, he has been even more productive, recording six goals and five assists in just over 1,400 minutes, form that earned him a place in this year's MLS All-Star Game. His close control and ability to both create and finish chances have made him one of the standout young performers in the league, with his progressive carries upfield placing him among company that includes Lionel Messi and other members of last season's MLS Best XI.
Despite that form, Gozo endured a setback earlier this year when he and Real Salt Lake teammate Diego Luna were left out of Mauricio Pochettino's United States squad for this summer's World Cup. Speaking to the Guardian in the aftermath of the decision, Gozo admitted the omission hit harder than he expected.
"I thought I would be less disappointed than I was," Gozo said. "Obviously, it wasn't like I was supposed to go. I feel like I was disappointed, but I also think it just gave me so much more motivation to be able to make the first team, whenever that is."
The winger has represented the United States at every youth level through to the under-23s and has been a mainstay of the country's junior setups since receiving his first call-up in 2022. With Pochettino confirmed to remain in charge of the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup, Gozo will now be aiming to force his way into contention for future squads by impressing in the Premier League.
His move to Palace could prove significant in that pursuit, with the youngster set to train alongside experienced USMNT international Chris Richards on a daily basis. Reflecting on his decision to make the jump to Europe, Gozo made clear he felt the timing was right.
"I feel like I'm ready to go," he said. "Whether that happens or not, I don't know, but I think this is a unique situation I have. I'm blessed to be in a situation where I have such a good club to be at, but I also think, you know... What's next in my career? I don't know."
Palace will be hoping Gozo's blend of technical quality and attacking output can translate quickly to English football as they begin life under Sage this weekend.
Based on reporting from the Guardian and BBC Sport.