Crystal Palace have officially signed Xavier Gozo to a five-year contract.

Crystal Palace have officially announced the signing of 19-year-old attacker Xavier Gozo from MLS side Real Salt Lake. The two sides have signed a five-year contract, and the player's long-term partnership with Crystal Palace will officially take effect upon completion of international registration procedures.  

Born in Utah, USA, Zavier Gozo joined the Real Salt Lake youth academy in 2021 and received systematic training at the club. He then played two seasons for Real Salt Lake's reserve team in MLS Next Pro, gradually gaining attention for his consistent and outstanding performances. In October 2023, at just 16 years old, Zavier Gozo made his Major League Soccer debut.  

With his exceptional speed, creativity, and individual dribbling skills, Xavier Gozo is poised for a major breakthrough in his career in the 2026 season. So far this season, he has played 16 league matches for Real Salt Lake, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists, and his outstanding performance has earned him a place on the 2026 MLS All-Star team.  

At the national team level, Xavier Gozo also has extensive youth team experience. He has been selected for various levels of the US youth national team multiple times, reaching the U23 age group. In addition, he represented the US U20 team at the 2024 CONCACAF U20 Championship, helping the team reach the final. During the 2025 U20 World Cup, Gozo will again represent the US, helping the team reach the quarterfinals.  

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “We are delighted to welcome such a promising young player as Xavier Gozo. I believe he will continue to improve over time. I also look forward to seeing him begin a new phase of his career in South London and achieve even more.”  

In an interview after joining Crystal Palace, Xavier Gozo said: "I'm really looking forward to playing in the Premier League for Crystal Palace. It's every footballer's dream to play in the Premier League. I'm very excited about the club's staff, the team's atmosphere, and the development plans that are underway. I had been following Crystal Palace closely, and the club's achievements in recent years were a major reason that attracted me to join."  

“I consider myself a dynamic player. I like to use my speed to get behind the defense, and I also like to dribble, finish, shoot and score goals. I hope to bring these qualities to Crystal Palace and help the team in matches.”  

Xavier Gozo said he had been following Crystal Palace's games closely, and Chris Richards' presence gave him a better understanding of the club. He said, "Because Chris Richards plays for Crystal Palace, I've been following the team closely. The American media often reports on him, so I've watched quite a few of their games. I'm very impressed by the club's success in recent years, which makes me even more excited to join them."  

“I used to get up every morning to watch the Premier League. When my brother and I were kids, we often watched Premier League highlights with our dad , sometimes for a long time. Looking back now, it’s really incredible to think that one day I might be in those highlights myself. I’m really looking forward to playing for Crystal Palace and I hope to score a goal for the team.”  

Image source: Internet/Crystal Palace official website