Key facts
- 19-year-old Zavier Gozo transferred to Crystal Palace from Real Salt Lake on a five-year deal for $15 million (£11 million)
- Gozo scored six goals and recorded five assists in 1,417 MLS minutes through 16 games this season
- The Utah-born prospect made his MLS debut at age 16 in October 2023 and is capped by USMNT at every level through U-23
- Gozo was not selected for Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad for summer 2026 World Cup despite near-final consideration
- Palace’s sixth signing of summer, joining Richards (USMNT standout) at the club; squad debuts Saturday vs. Everton
The transfer and the deal
Crystal Palace completed the acquisition of 19-year-old Zavier Gozo from Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The transfer was finalized on a five-year contract, with the fee reported at $15 million (£11 million), subject to international clearance. This marks the sixth signing for Palace during the summer transfer window.
Gozo’s rise from academy to prominence
Gozo joined Real Salt Lake’s academy in 2021 at age 14 and progressed through their pathway quickly. He made his MLS debut in October 2023 at just 16 years old against the LA Galaxy. That year, he appeared in one MLS match. In 2025, his first full season, he logged 1,810 minutes across 25 appearances, recording four goals and three assists. This season, operating as a right winger with greater license to stay upfield, his production accelerated markedly.
This season’s statistics
Through Real Salt Lake’s first 16 MLS league games in 2026, Gozo scored six goals and recorded five assists in 1,417 minutes. His technical performance has been particularly notable; he ranks ninth in the league for successful dribbles and has completed 67 progressive carries upfield, a volume placing him alongside names such as Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, and Evander. He was selected for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, reflecting his breakout status.
International prospects
Gozo holds dual heritage through an American mother and an Ivorian father. He has been capped by the United States at every level through the U-23 team but has not yet appeared in a senior national team camp. In May 2026, one day after learning he would not be included in Mauricio Pochettino’s final roster for that summer’s World Cup, Gozo acknowledged the disappointment while noting how close he felt to consideration. He stated the rejection motivated him toward earning a future spot on the senior squad. He was part of the U-20 team that finished runner-up at the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, losing to Mexico in extra time in the final, and also appeared on the U.S. U-20 World Cup team that reached the quarterfinals.
Palace’s context and what’s next
Crystal Palace are preparing for their second consecutive season with European football, having won the UEFA Conference League title last season and qualifying for the 2025-26 Europa League. Palace are managed by Pierre Sage in his first season. Gozo will join fellow USMNT standout Chris Richards already on the Palace roster. The club’s new season begins Saturday, August 23 at home to Everton (15:00 BST).
Sources
Featured photo: Philip Henry Delamotte (1821–1889) via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)