The MLS has become an increasingly attractive market for European clubs, with more teams signing players directly from the league.
Crystal Palace are the latest to do so, having completed the $15 million signing of teenage winger Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake.
The USA youth international becomes the most expensive sale in Real Salt Lake history as he moves to Selhurst Park on a long-term contract.
His transfer underlines Palace's commitment to signing highly rated young players from around the world.
Zavier Gozo Becomes Crystal Palace's Sixth Summer Signing
Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Zavier Gozo, making him their sixth summer signing.
The Eagles appointed Pierre Sage to replace Oliver Glasner and began the transfer window slowly despite winning the UEFA Conference League last season.
With Europa League football secured, Palace were expected to be active in the transfer market.
Gozo is their third confirmed signing of the last week, coming after deals for Evann Guessand and Anan Khalaili.
They have also signed Dwight McNeil, Oscar Mingueza, and Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer.
The Eagles are not done in the market and may still look to bring in a centre-back, having sold Maxence Lacroix this summer.
From Real Salt Lake to the Premier League
Highly-rated winger Zavier Gozo has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Diego Gomez, Djordje Petrovic, and Jhon Duran in moving directly from the MLS to the Premier League.
His transfer is another major success for Real Salt Lake's development system, seeing as he began his journey in the club's youth ranks.
He made a name for himself at the club, making 50 senior appearances between 2023 and 2026.
Gozo was considered for a place in the USMNT squad to this summer's FIFA World Cup but narrowly missed out on Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man squad.
This year, he made history by becoming the first player to be selected for the MLS NEXT Pro All-Star and MLS All-Star games in the same season.
He has now become the club's most expensive export, surpassing the $11 million Rennes paid for Andres Gomez in 2024.
The 19-year-old represents another successful capture for Crystal Palace's strategy of identifying high-ceiling prospects and buying them before their value explodes in the European market.
What Zavier Gozo Brings to Crystal Palace
Zavier Gozo features primarily as a wide forward or a wide midfielder, and is capable of playing as a wing-back, as well.
The teenager brings explosive acceleration, dynamic off-the-ball movement, and direct 1v1 dribbling ability to Selhurst Park following his transfer.
Palace's wide players are expected to provide a direct attacking threat, and Gozo's raw pace and willingness to take on his man makes him a potential source of problems for opposition.
The youngster also has a good shot in him, making him an occasional goal threat if he does manage to get into scoring positions.
Most of his chance creation comes from crosses and cutbacks, and Palace's forwards will benefit greatly from these.
What Young Players Can Learn From Zavier Gozo's Journey
Young players can learn a significant amount from how Gozo's journey has taken him to the Premier League at just 19 years old.
First, young players must make the most of every first-team opportunity they receive and they need to take full advantage of this privilege.
Gozo made his senior bow for Real Salt Lake in 2023 but was still a part of their MLS NEXT Pro roster until this year, even becoming an All-Star.
He took the first-team games as opportunities to showcase his talents and was eventually drafted into the picture as a full-fledged first-team player.
Also, they must understand how they will fit in before they complete a move.
Zavier Gozo is aware that the physical nature of the Premier League suits a player with pace such as himself, and he is prepared to test himself at the level of the English top-flight.
Finally, young players must be prepared to leave their comfort zone and grow elsewhere.
Gozo has packed his bags from Utah to head down to South London for the first time in his career.
He sees the Premier League as the next step in his development, which made the move to Palace an attractive opportunity.
