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Crystal Palace are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal to sign 19-year-old American winger Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake this summer.
Missing out on Mauricio Pochettino's 2026 World Cup squad was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow for Gozo, who had to watch the U.S. men's national team compete on soccer's biggest stage from afar. But just one month after the Stars and Stripes were eliminated in the round of 16, the teenager appears set for a remarkable turnaround.
The Athletic reports that Crystal Palace are in "advanced talks" to bring Gozo to Selhurst Park. The transfer fee is expected to fall around $15 million (£11.1 million). Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid were among a number of clubs who expressed interest, but the Eagles are considered frontrunners to secure the young American's signature.
Gozo attracted attention from numerous European clubs following his breakthrough 2025 season. The teenager established himself as a regular starter for Real Salt Lake, featuring in 31 matches and contributing seven goal involvements throughout the campaign.
He carried that momentum into the current season, registering six goals and four assists in just 16 outings. Gozo earned a 2026 MLS All-Star nod and could now be heading to south London.
Gozo Could Join USMNT Contingent in the Premier League
If Gozo's move to Crystal Palace is completed, he will be linking up with USMNT center back Chris Richards. The 26-year-old defender played a key role in the Eagles' Conference League-winning run despite being sidelined for the final through injury, and would serve as a familiar presence for Gozo as he adjusts to life in the Premier League.
Gozo would also find himself going up against fellow Americans in the English top flight, including Antonee Robinson at Fulham, Tyler Adams at Bournemouth, and Brenden Aaronson at Leeds United — all living examples of how excelling in the Premier League can elevate a player's international standing.
Indeed, Richards, Robinson, and Adams have become mainstays in Pochettino's starting lineup and shone for the USMNT on home turf this summer. There is no better league in the world for Gozo to sharpen his game and bridge the gap from the U.S. youth setup to the senior national team.
Crystal Palace finished 15th in the Premier League last season and parted ways with manager Oliver Glasner at the campaign's conclusion. The Eagles, now under the guidance of Pierre Sage, are targeting a significantly improved showing in 2026–27, particularly with Europa League football now added to their schedule.
Gozo, who most recently featured for the U-23 side during the November international break, is still awaiting his senior USMNT debut. He will be eager to force his way into Pochettino's plans for the expanded international window in September and October, when the Stars and Stripes are set to face Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.
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The Argentine manager, who recently signed a new four-year extension with the USMNT, will be focused on nurturing young talent ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Gozo, along with the likes of Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre, and Julian Hall, are all pushing to break into the squad with aspirations of featuring in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco in four years' time.
Gozo, however, will hold a distinct advantage if he manages to make an impact in the Premier League.