Headline: Zavier Gozo Joins Crystal Palace in Five-Year Deal Following Impressive MLS Career
For much of the past year, American starlet Zavier Gozo’s narrative has centered around his potential and growth, even amid setbacks. After learning with Real Salt Lake teammate Diego Luna that they would not be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, the 19-year-old Gozo expressed that the disappointment made him more aware of how close he had come to securing a spot.
“I thought I would be less disappointed than I was,” Gozo stated in an interview with the Guardian. “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.”
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If all goes well, Gozo’s recent transfer to Crystal Palace may expedite his ambitions. The Premier League club announced on Tuesday that they finalized the transfer of Gozo from Real Salt Lake for a five-year deal, reportedly valued at around $15 million (£11 million).
This transfer follows a remarkable rise for the young American player. Gozo joined the Real Salt Lake academy in 2021 at just 14 years old and debuted with their second team, Real Monarchs, a year later. His first MLS game took place in 2023 when he was merely 16. He quickly made an impression, emerging as a right wing-back option while demonstrating remarkable composure and skill, finishing his inaugural full season with four goals and three assists in 1,810 minutes of play.
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This season, Gozo has enjoyed more freedom to advance beyond the backline. His closing technique has proven impressive, showcasing his ability with precise passes that propel Real Salt Lake into critical scoring positions. He has brought his end product to the forefront, registering six goals and five assists in 1,417 minutes so far.
Zavier Gozo Real Salt Lake highlights
His knack for creating offensive opportunities not only for himself but also for teammates distinguishes him in the competitive field. According to Futi, he has made 67 progressive carries upfield—an impressive tally that places him alongside notable players like Lionel Messi and members of last year’s MLS Best XI.
As is typical for young players of Gozo’s caliber, the focus turns to how to optimize opportunities for international recognition. While he has already solidified his spot as a starting player in MLS, consistent high-level performances do not ensure a place on the national team, as Gozo’s teammate Luna recently experienced by being cut from Pochettino’s roster.
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Having an American mother and an Ivorian father, Gozo earned his first US youth international call-up in 2022, starting with the U-15s, and has since become a regular with the youth national teams.
With Pochettino committed to leading the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup, Gozo is likely to compete with those selected for the recent squad for a spot in the US’s future plans over the coming four years. Training regularly at Crystal Palace alongside fellow American Chris Richards will certainly keep him on Pochettino’s radar, as will any Premier League minutes he earns under new manager Pierre Sage.
For much of the past year, the story of American starlet Zavier Gozo has been one of realizing potential – even in failure. Speaking with the Guardian the day after he and Real Salt Lake teammate Diego Luna learned they wouldn’t be on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, the 19-year-old Gozo admitted the rejection made him realize how close he’d gotten to earning a spot.
“I thought I would be less disappointed than I was,” Gozo said in May. “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.”
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If it works out well, Gozo’s move to Crystal Palace could see that happen sooner than many would have anticipated a year ago. The Premier League club finalized the transfer of Gozo from Real Salt Lake on Tuesday in a five-year deal. The agreement is reportedly worth around $15m (£11m).
The move follows one of the most rapid ascents of any American men’s prospect in recent memory.
Gozo joined the Real Salt Lake academy in 2021 at age 14, debuting with their second team, Real Monarchs, a year later. His MLS debut came in 2023, when he was still just 16. Over time, Gozo emerged as an option at right wing-back offering precocious confidence on the ball, capping his first full season with RSL with four goals and three assists in 1,810 minutes.
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This season, Gozo has been given increased license to stay upfield. His technique in close quarters has been especially impressive, with deft touches and passes helping RSL get into dangerous areas. His end product has also been on greater display, with six goals and five assists in 1,417 minutes thus far.
Zavier Gozo Real Salt Lake highlights
His ability to set up his own shot as well as create dangerous looks for his teammates helps him stand out. Gozo has made 67 progressive carries upfield, per Futi, a category led by Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, Evander and Anders Dreyer – four members of last year’s MLS Best XI.
The question for any young player of Gozo’s caliber is how best to position themselves for international consideration. On the one hand, he had already established himself as a regular starter in MLS. On the other, strong performances in MLS – as in any league – provide no guarantee of landing on a national team, as Gozo’s teammate Luna learned the hard way by being among Pochettino’s toughest omissions.
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As a result, Gozo felt he was nearing the ideal window for making a move across the Atlantic.
“I feel like I’m ready to go,” Gozo added without hesitation. “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.”
The son of an American mother and an Ivorian father, Gozo also earned his first US youth international callup in 2022, beginning with the U-15s. He has become a regular with the youth national teams.
With Pochettino opting to stick with the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup, Gozo figures to be in contention with the players who made the squad for this summer’s tournament for a place in the US’s plans over the next four years. Training at Palace every day with US mainstay Chris Richards will surely keep him in Pochettino’s sights, to say nothing of any Premier League minutes he’s able to get under new manager Pierre Sage.
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