Crystal Palace finalizing signing of Real Salt Lake teenager Zavier Gozo | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are finalising the signing of American winger Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake.

According to NY Times, Gozo was in London on Monday for a medical and to complete paperwork after the clubs agreed a fee of around $15 million (£11 million), a club-record sale for RSL.

The 19-year-old has made 50 first-team appearances for RSL. This season he recorded six goals and five assists in 16 games, largely as a wing-back after initially breaking through as a winger.

RSL have a track record of moves to Europe, with Andres Gomez joining Rennes for $11 million in 2024. Gozo’s transfer sets a new benchmark for their academy-to-first team pathway.

He is viewed as a strong candidate for a senior United States debut this autumn, having narrowly missed a late push for the 2026 World Cup squad. He has been a regular at youth level.

RSL had hoped to keep him for the season but, after Gozo pushed for a summer step and interest intensified, the club accepted Palace’s offer. He will join his new team-mates for pre-season this week.

Palace appointed Pierre Sage as head coach this summer after Oliver Glasner’s stint ended with a UEFA Conference League final win over Rayo Vallecano that secured Europa League qualification. Glasner has since joined Nottingham Forest.

Fellow American Chris Richards remains a key figure. Palace begin their Premier League season on 22 August against Everton.

Source: NY Times

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