MLS to Premier League: United States exports another player to Europe as Zavier Gozo heads to Crystal Palace

On Aug 19, 2026

The United States will have another player flying the flag in European soccer. After several days of negotiations, young American Zavier Gozo has joined Crystal Palace, giving him his first opportunity to play in Europe.

The 19-year-old, who was born in West Valley City, Utah, completed a transfer worth around $15 million. Gozo heads across the Atlantic after establishing himself with Real Salt Lake, where he made the step up to professional soccer and played a total of 3,591 minutes.

Thank you Gozo, for your hard work and dedication to the Claret & Cobalt. It has been a pleasure to watch you grow and develop as a player and human from the RSL academy, to the Monarchs, to the first team.

Wishing you the best of luck in London. pic.twitter.com/xIxeNh2i8F

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 18, 2026

The Utah club said it was delighted to have played a part in Gozo’s development, with its sporting director insisting the teenager had earned the opportunity to test himself in Europe.

“He earned this opportunity through his relentless work ethic and character. This achievement is, first and foremost, a recognition of his dedication, as well as the constant support of teammates, coaches and staff members who were part of his journey through the Academy, the Monarchs and the first team,” the club said in a statement.

“We are incredibly proud of Zavier and excited about his future.”

Gozo has also been a regular with the United States youth national teams, and his progress has raised expectations that a senior USMNT call-up could be the next step.

For now, however, his attention turns to England and Crystal Palace as he begins the first European chapter of his career.