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Another American star is making the move to England. Following weeks of speculation, Crystal Palace confirmed the acquisition of Zavier Gozo from MLS side Real Salt Lake on a five-year contract reportedly worth in excess of $15 million.
"I'm really excited to be playing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. It's every footballer's dream," Gozo said in the club's official statement on Tuesday night. "I'm thrilled by the people and the vision they have here. I've seen a lot of what they're building, and that's what draws me to this club — the success they've already achieved."
The 19-year-old winger from West Valley City, Utah has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks. He departed his hometown club for Real Salt Lake's youth academy just six years ago, before making his MLS debut in 2023 at just 16 years of age. Now, he's set to compete in the most prestigious league on the planet.
He's Palace now.
We are delighted to have completed the signing of exciting teenage attacker Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake 🦅
He attracted Palace's attention this spring after registering six goals and five assists in 16 starts during the first half of the MLS season, also earning his maiden MLS All-Star selection along the way.
"I think [my rise] even happened a little too quickly for me at times to fully process and appreciate," Gozo told Sports Illustrated at the MLS All-Star Game. " ... Life moves so fast. You string together a few good performances, and suddenly you're an All-Star. It came sooner than I expected and sooner than most people anticipated. It's been an incredible journey."
Gozo joins fellow American Chris Richards at Crystal Palace. Richards is a cornerstone of the U.S. men's national team defense and was a key figure at the 2026 World Cup this summer. Gozo, seven years Richards's junior, will aim to follow in his new teammate's footsteps and earn his senior international debut as early as this fall.
"Yo bro, it's Chris," Richards said in a voice message to Gozo featured in a video posted by the club on social media. "Heard through the grapevine you might be joining me in South London all the way from the 801. Can't wait to get going. Congrats bro, and see you soon."
An American-Riddled Premier League
It was only right... pic.twitter.com/LCcqB82wm6
Gozo and Richards will encounter several other American talents in Premier League action this season.
Star fullback Antonee Robinson features for Fulham, while attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson lines up for Leeds United. Defensive midfielder Tyler Adams anchors the midfield for Bournemouth, and striker Haji Wright features for newly-promoted Coventry City.
There is now a strong American presence in the EFL Championship too, with Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris all representing Middlesbrough. Striker Patrick Agyemang is at Derby County; however, he continues to recover from an Achilles tendon injury and is not expected to return to action until winter.
Crystal Palace open their 2026–27 season on Saturday against Everton, a match in which Gozo could potentially make his debut.