Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, could be set to depart from the club just 12 months after his successful spell at Portsmouth, according to Turkish source Sozcu.
Pompey’s Player of the Season last year, Bazunu secured a £15m move from Manchester City to the Saints last summer, however, after a disappointing season they could be looking to cut ties with the keeper already.
Who Is Gavin Bazunu?
The 21-year-old is one of the many young talented goalkeepers to come from Manchester City’s youth system. Originally from Ireland, the shot-stopper got his move to Premier League champions in 2018 and was loaned out in consecutive seasons to Rochdale and Portsmouth.
After a successful season at Fratton Park, which saw him keep 17 clean sheets in 46 appearances for Pompey, the Irish international returned to his parent club and got a big-money move to south coast rivals Southampton.
How Has He Got On Since Leaving
Since joining the Saints in the Premier League, Bazunu claimed the number one shirt and started every game in the league for them. However, a disappointing campaign for Portsmouth’s rivals has seen them spend the majority of the season bottom, with relegation to the Championship looming.
In that time, the keeper has only kept four clean sheets in 32 appearances but has remained the starting goalkeeper in an up-and-coming Ireland National side.
Is A Return To Fratton Park Realistic?
While Bazunu is having a disappointing season that’s seen his side get relegated, a return to Portsmouth would seem extremely surprising. Still at a very young age, Bazunu has plenty of potential as a goalkeeper and has shown he can be a Championship goalkeeper at worst.
Writer’s View
I think the Saints selling a player like Bazunu would be a very rash decision, with what we’ve seen from him at Portsmouth and considering his age. Spending that amount of money on a 20-year-old at the time shouldn’t come with judgement after one season, especially with the state Southampton are in.
I reckon a season in the Championship where the Saints will be one of the better teams will be good for him, as it will allow the youngster to get some clean sheets and his confidence back.
