Aston Villa Submit Enquiry For Rapid Forward Talent: Is He Ready For The West Midlands Club? | OneFootball

Unai Emery’s recruitment team might still be searching the world for top young prospects. They are now looking closely at the Major League Soccer market. Reliable transfer journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Aston Villa recently asked Real Salt Lake about forward Zavier Gozo.

The Birmingham club see the 18-year-old American attacker as a real prospect. They believe he is worth developing in their academy. Villa officials reached out to the staff in Utah to see what it would take to get a deal done.

This shows they are serious about him, not just looking from afar. This move fits the club’s wider plan of snapping up top teenagers. They want to sign these players before their price jumps up on the European market.

Gozo has quickly become a star for Real Salt Lake’s youth and reserve teams. He eventually earned a spot in the first team. Scouts in Europe have also noticed how well he played for the USA U20 national team.

The talks are still in the early stages. However, the Premier League side might clearly see Gozo as someone who could eventually fight for first-team minutes. The West Midlands club have put a lot of work into signing young players since Emery arrived.

Bringing in a fast North American forward fits their current style perfectly. Villa fans will likely see this as another sign of where the club are heading. It shows they want to build a winning team for years to come by bringing in players with long-term value.

Tactical Analysis: Why Emery Wants the American Speedster?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Zavier Gozo #72 of Real Salt Lake and Denis Bouanga #99 of Los Angeles FC battle for the ball during the second half at BMO Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Zavier Gozo has the natural traits to do well in English football. He mostly plays on the wing but can play through the middle too. The USA-born player uses his raw speed and directness to give defenders a hard time. Unai Emery likes wide players who can take on full-backs and move inside to make things happen.

Gozo does this a lot at the MLS NEXT Pro and senior MLS levels. His habit of running into open space matches the energy Aston Villa show on the counter-attack. Also, his willingness to work hard and press from the front appeals to his potential manager. Emery expects his attackers to help out defensively.

However, some might wonder if Gozo is ready for the physical side of the Premier League. Moving from the MLS to the English top flight often shows where a young player’s game is still lacking. Gozo would likely spend time in the U21s or go out on loan before he gets a chance in the first team.

Still, this signing is a smart move for the future of the squad. Emery has shown he can turn raw talents into useful players for his system. If Villa sign Gozo now, they get a player they can mould. He can learn the system without the pressure of having to perform immediately.