Real Salt Lake's Zavier Gozo is on the verge of a $15 million move to Crystal Palace, a deal that would shatter the club's transfer record and send Sandy's breakout star to the Premier League.

As we reported Tuesday, talks between RSL and Palace are advanced and "trending in a positive way," according to the Salt Lake Tribune. GOAL reported a deal was expected within 24 hours and that Gozo would undergo a medical with Palace this week. No official confirmation had been published as of Thursday, Aug. 6.

The fee would surpass the €10 million RSL received for Andrés Gómez from Stade Rennes in 2024, making it the largest outgoing sale in club history and the first direct transfer of an RSL academy product to the Premier League.

Gozo, 19, is a Utah native who came up through the RSL Academy, made his MLS debut in October 2023 and signed his first professional contract in February 2024. This season he has six goals and five assists in 16 MLS matches and earned a fan-voted All-Star First XI selection.

Crystal Palace wasn't the only club interested. Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid pushed for Gozo in January, and GOAL confirmed Villa was among four Premier League teams that pursued him. Other European clubs were priced out by RSL's asking price.

Why Palace wants Gozo

Crystal Palace, now managed by Pierre Sage, will compete in the Europa League this season after winning the Conference League in 2025. That expanded schedule demands roster depth.

Palace is well-stocked at right wing-back with Daniel Munoz and new signing Oscar Mingueza, meaning Gozo would likely slot into a forward or No. 10 role rather than the wing-back position he plays at RSL. Sage prefers his No. 10s to play wider, a profile that fits Gozo's pace and attacking instinct.

RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni told KSL Sports on Aug. 4 that Gozo's skillset translates anywhere: "For me he's a unicorn. Very rarely do you have a guy that is as fast as he is that can maintain the speed and endurance over 90 minutes. From that perspective, he is world-class. I'm saying Premier League. I'm saying any league in the world."

What it means for RSL's Leagues Cup push

The timing complicates things. RSL lost its Leagues Cup opener to Tigres UANL 1-1 (6-5 on penalties) Tuesday, Aug. 4, at America First Field. Gozo did not play. Dominik Marczuk started in his place at right wing-back.

RSL now faces a must-win situation Saturday, Aug. 8, against Atlante FC at 8 p.m. MT at America First Field. Under Leagues Cup rules, only a regulation win keeps RSL's advancement hopes alive. Atlante enters on a three-game unbeaten streak, including a win over Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Whether Gozo suits up Saturday remains unclear. If the deal closes before then, he won't.

RSL is also dealing with injuries: Griffin Dillon underwent surgery Wednesday, Aug. 5, for a fractured fifth metatarsal, and Justen Glad and Emeka Eneli remain unavailable.

Gozo's mindset

Gozo told the Deseret News on Aug. 4 that a European move has been his dream "for as long as I could remember" and that the summer window was "the perfect time for me to take the next step." He is also a strong candidate for his senior U.S. national team debut this fall after narrowly missing the 2026 World Cup squad.

Crystal Palace investor David Blitzer is also a minority owner of Real Salt Lake, an unusual connection between the negotiating clubs. Miller Sports + Entertainment holds RSL's controlling interest.

What's next

The summer transfer window closes Sept. 2. RSL hosts Atlante on Saturday, then faces FC Juarez on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 7:30 p.m. MT to close Phase One of Leagues Cup. MLS play resumes Saturday, Aug. 15, against Minnesota United and Aug. 22 against FC Dallas, both at America First Field.