Crystal Palace Makes a Bold Move with US Youth International Zavier Gozo

The Premier League club has finalized the transfer of 19-year-old American starlet Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake in a five-year deal reportedly worth around $15m (£11m). This move marks a significant milestone in Gozo’s career, which has been on a rapid ascent in recent years.

Zavier Gozo’s journey began in 2021 when he joined the Real Salt Lake academy at the age of 14. He made his debut with their second team, Real Monarchs, a year later and eventually broke into the first team in 2023, when he was just 16. During his first full season with RSL, Gozo impressed with four goals and three assists in 1,810 minutes.

This season, Gozo has taken his game to the next level, with six goals and five assists in 1,417 minutes. His ability to set up his own shot as well as create dangerous looks for his teammates has made him a standout player in MLS. Gozo has made 67 progressive carries upfield, a category led by Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, Evander, and Anders Dreyer – four members of last year’s MLS Best XI.

Despite his impressive performances in MLS, Gozo felt that he was nearing the ideal window for making a move across the Atlantic. He admitted that the rejection from the US World Cup squad 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.’

Gozo’s move to Crystal Palace could see him make his Premier League debut sooner than many would have anticipated a year ago. He will be training with the team every day and will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience under new manager Pierre Sage. With his US youth international call-up in 2022 and regular appearances with the youth national teams, 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.

Gozo’s family background, being the son of an American mother and an Ivorian father, adds an extra layer of complexity to his international prospects. However, with his talent and dedication, he is well-positioned to make a successful transition to the Premier League and potentially earn a spot in the US national team.

The transfer deal is a significant investment for Crystal Palace, and it will be interesting to see how Gozo adapts to the new challenge. With his impressive skills and experience, he has the potential to become a key player for the team and make a lasting impact in the Premier League.