Headline: Zavier Gozo Transfers to Crystal Palace for Club-Record Fee
Crystal Palace has completed the signing of 19-year-old winger Zavier Gozo from Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake. The transfer marks a club-record deal reportedly valued at $15 million, which also includes a sell-on fee for Real Salt Lake. Gozo has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League side, which recently secured victory in the Conference League.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. It’s the dream of any footballer,” Gozo stated. “I’m excited by the people and the project they have going on here. I’ve seen a lot of it, and that’s what excites me about this club as well: the success that they’ve had.”
Gozo, originally from Utah, joined Real Salt Lake’s academy in 2021 and made his debut with the first team in October 2023. Over 43 appearances, he recorded 10 goals and provided eight assists. Internationally, he has represented the United States across various youth squads from U-15 to U-23. Notably, he was part of the 2025 U-20 World Cup roster that reached the quarterfinals, scoring two goals and assisting another.
Gozo’s impressive international background and breakout performance during the 2026 season at Real Salt Lake earned him a spot on Mauricio Pochettino’s preliminary roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
With Gozo’s arrival, Crystal Palace now features two American players alongside USMNT defender Chris Richards. Richards began his career in MLS with FC Dallas before joining Crystal Palace in 2022.
Crystal Palace will kick off their Premier League season on Sunday against Everton. Additionally, they will compete in the Europa League, with UEFA set to hold the draw next week in Monaco.
Gozo’s move to Europe could enhance his future prospects, as Crystal Palace has a reputation for developing young players into elite talents. Notable examples include Eberechi Eze, Marc Guéhi, and Michael Olise, all of whom transitioned from the Eagles to larger clubs for substantial fees.
Americans on the Move
This transfer window has seen a flurry of activity among American players. In addition to Gozo, several others have secured new contracts. Max Arfsten moved from the Columbus Crew to Middlesbrough in the English Championship for $7.5 million and will be joined by USMNT teammate Sebastian Berhalter, who transferred from the Vancouver Whitecaps for $2 million. Gio Reyna, who scored for the U.S. during the 2026 World Cup, left Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany for Strasbourg in France. Bryan Reynolds was signed by Stade Rennais from Belgium’s KVC Westerlo for $5 million, and Diego Kochen, who was not included in the U.S. World Cup roster but trained with the team, moved on loan from Barcelona to Denmark’s Lyngby Boldklub.
Mark McKenzie, meanwhile, is set to return to MLS, joining the Philadelphia Union in a $2.5 million deal from Toulouse, though he will officially join the Union when the January 2027 transfer window opens.
Zavier Gozo, the 19-year-old winger who was in the mix for the United States World Cup squad, has sealed a move from MLS side Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace of the Premier League.
The transfer, which is for a reported club-record $15 million fee, will also include a sell-on percentage for RSL. Gozo’s contract with the reigning Conference League winners is for five years.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. It’s the dream of any footballer,” Gozo said. “I’m excited by the people and the project they have going on here. I’ve seen a lot of it, and that’s what excites me about this club as well: the success that they’ve had.”
Gozo, a Utah native, joined RSL’s academy in 2021 and was called up to the club’s first team in Oct. 2023. In 43 appearances, he recorded 10 goals and eight assists. He has also represented the U.S. in various youth squads from U-15 to U-23 on the international stage. He was a part of the 2025 roster that reached the quarterfinals at the U-20 World Cup where he scored two goals and contributed an assist.
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Gozo’s international experience and breakout 2026 season at RSL resulted in him being named to Mauricio Pochettino’s preliminary roster for the 2026 World Cup.
There are now two Americans playing for Crystal Palace following Gozo’s signing. The youngster will join USMNT defender Chris Richards, who started with FC Dallas of MLS before eventually joining the Eagles in 2022.
Crystal Palace opens its Premier League campaign on Sunday against Everton. They will also play in the Europa League this season with UEFA holding the draw next week in Monaco.
Gozo’s landing spot in Europe could be a boon for his future prospects. The Eagles have a history of developing young players into elite talents. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City) and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) all spent time with the London club before making expensive moves to bigger clubs.
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Americans on the move
It’s been a busy summer for Americans on the move during this transfer window. Gozo is one of a number of players who have found new clubs.
Max Arfsten was sold by the Columbus Crew to English Championship side Middlesbrough for $7.5 million. He will be joined at Boro by USMNT teammate Sebastian Berhalter, who made the move from the Vancouver Whitecaps for $2 million. Gio Reyna, who scored for the U.S. during the 2026 World Cup, left Borussia Mönchengladbach of Germany’s Bundesliga for Strasbourg of France. Bryan Reynolds was signed by Ligue 1’s Stade Rennais from Belgium’s KVC Westero for $5 million; and Diego Kochen, who was not part of the U.S. World Cup roster but trained with the team, left Barcelona on loan for Denmark’s Lyngby Boldklub.
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Mark McKenzie is coming back to MLS to join the Philadelphia Union in a $2.5 million move from Toulouse. McKenzie will not officially join the Union until the opening of the January 2027 transfer window.
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