From Eagle Mountain to England: Gozo Joins Premier League
Eagle Mountain native Zavier Gozo is taking his game to the English Premier League.
Real Salt Lake and Crystal Palace Football Club announced the transfer on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Gozo, 19, agreed to a five-year contract with the London club, which plays its home matches at Selhurst Park in south London.
The deal is worth a reported $15 million, a club-record transfer fee for Real Salt Lake. RSL retained a sell-on percentage of any future transfer, according to Major League Soccer.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace,” Gozo shared in CPFC’s announcement. “It’s the dream of any footballer.”
Gozo was born in West Valley City and raised in Eagle Mountain.
He joined the Real Salt Lake Academy in 2021, following his older brother into the program.
Gozo began his professional career with the Real Monarchs, Real Salt Lake’s affiliate club, and made his MLS debut in October 2023 at 16 years old.
In May, Gozo became the youngest player in club history to score twice in a single match. He was 19 years and 54 days old.
In July, he was named to the 2026 MLS All-Star team, the youngest All-Star selection in Real Salt Lake history at 19 years, 4 months and 2 days old.
Gozo recorded six goals and five assists in 16 appearances for RSL this season, co-leading the club in goal contributions. He finishes his time in Utah with 10 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances for Real Salt Lake.
Gozo has represented the United States at youth international levels from U-15 through U-23. He helped the U.S. reach the final of the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship and the quarterfinals of the 2025 U-20 World Cup, and was named to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s preliminary roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Following the transfer, Gozo shared a letter with Real Salt Lake fans.
“It’s hard to put into words what this club, this state and this community mean to me,” Gozo wrote. “This is home. This is where I grew up. This is where I learned what it means to work, to sacrifice, to believe and to wear this crest with pride.”
“So many of you believed in me before the rest of the world knew my name,” he wrote. “You saw me as a young kid chasing a dream, and you helped make that dream become reality.”
Gozo also included a message for young athletes in Utah.
“I hope more kids across Utah give soccer a try, join their local teams and keep learning and growing this beautiful game,” Gozo wrote. “I also hope young athletes across this state can see that top talent is being developed right here in Utah, and that big dreams can grow from home.”
Real Salt Lake sporting director Kurt Schmid praised the winger following the transfer.
“Watching Zavier grow from our Academy into the player he is today has been a privilege for everyone at Real Salt Lake,” Schmid said. “He earned this opportunity through his relentless work ethic and character.”
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said it was “great to welcome such an exciting young talent” to the club.
Gozo’s message to young players landed as Eagle Mountain brought its youth soccer program in-house. The City’s youth fall season kicked off on August 22.
Registration for the City’s spring soccer season opens on November 2.
Mayor Jared Gray congratulated Gozo on the transfer.
“Zavier grew up in our City, and now he is headed to the best soccer league in the world,” Gray said. “We could not be prouder of him, and we will be cheering from across the pond.”