Real Salt Lake agreed to transfer Utah native Zavier Gozo to Crystal Palace, the club announced Tuesday.
The transfer fee was undisclosed, but Real Salt Lake described it as a “club-record transfer.” The Athletic reports that the fee was in the $15 million range.
Upon his transfer, Crystal Palace announced it had signed the 19-year-old Gozo to a five-year contract.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace,” Gozo said in a statement from the club. “It’s the dream of any footballer. I’m excited by the people and the project they have going on here. I’ve seen a lot of it, and that’s what excites me about this club as well: the success that they’ve had.”
Club chairman Steve Parish called Gozo “an exciting young talent.”
“I am looking forward to seeing what Zavier can achieve with us during his time in South London,” he said in a statement.
Gozo underwent a physical in London on Aug. 10, The Athletic reported. He departs in the middle of Real Salt Lake’s season but just in time for the start of Crystal Palace’s.
Gozo scored six goals and had five assists for Real Salt Lake this season and was named an MLS All-Star for the first time.
At Crystal Palace, he joins fellow American Chris Richards, who represented the U.S. at the World Cup this summer.
Zavier Gozo says goodbye to Real Salt Lake
Gozo’s professional soccer career began in his home state of Utah.
He joined Real Salt Lake Academy at 14 years old, signed an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract with the Real Monarchs at 15 and signed his Real Salt Lake homegrown contract weeks before turning 17.
“Watching Zavier grow from our Academy into the player he is today has been a privilege for everyone at Real Salt Lake,” RSL Sporting Director Kurt Schmid said in a club statement. “He earned this opportunity through his relentless work ethic and character. This milestone is first and foremost a credit to his dedication, alongside the steady support of the teammates, coaches and staff who shared in his journey through the Academy, Monarchs and first team. We are incredibly proud of Zavier and excited for his future.”
On Tuesday, Gozo took to social media to pen a goodbye to Real Salt Lake.
“This is the hardest goodbye,” he wrote. “Since I was 11 years old, I’ve been a part of this club, and I could not be more grateful for everything this club and this city have done for me.”
He thanked Real Salt Lake fans for their “constant love and support.”
“I felt it every day, and I still feel it now. I will cherish every moment I’ve spent here and every memory I’ve made.”
He then thanked his coaches and teammates.
“Thank you to my coaches for taking a chance on me, believing in me, giving me confidence, and continuing to push me forward even when I was struggling,” he said. “Thank you to my teammates for the love and belief each of you put into me every single day. Thank you for all the memories, laughs, and moments we shared together.”
Gozo ended by saying Real Salt Lake “will always be a part of my heart, no matter where this journey takes me.”