In Zavier Gozo, Crystal Palace land a US prospect living up to the hype
Crystal Palace have completed the transfer of 19-year-old American winger Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake, capping a rapid rise for one of US soccer's most talked-about young prospects. The five-year deal, reportedly worth around £11m, comes as Gozo seeks to convert standout MLS form into a breakthrough with the senior USMNT, having narrowly missed selection for this summer's World Cup squad.
Gozo joined Real Salt Lake's academy at 14 in 2021, made his MLS debut at 16 in 2023, and has since developed from a right wing-back into an attacking threat with licence to operate further forward. This season he has scored six goals and provided five assists in 1,417 minutes, ranking highly for progressive carries alongside established MLS stars such as Lionel Messi and Denis Bouanga. Born to an American mother and Ivorian father, he has been a regular in US youth setups since 2022 and will now train daily alongside USMNT defender Chris Richards at Palace as he pushes for a place in Mauricio Pochettino's plans through the 2030 World Cup.
- Crystal Palace sign USMNT prospect Zavier Gozo, 19, from Real Salt Lake
- Five-year deal reportedly worth around £11m
- Gozo missed 2026 World Cup squad but eyes future USMNT breakthrough