Southampton have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Patrick Pentz as they search for a replacement for long-term absentee Gavin Bazunu, according to Football Insider.
The Republic of Ireland international joined the Saints from Manchester City in 2022 for a fee of £12 million. He has been an ever-present at St Mary’s since and has played a key role this season as Russell Martin targets an immediate return to the Premier League.
Disaster struck for the shot stopper earlier this month though when he picked up an injury in the warm-up prior to the 3-0 win over Preston North End. It was later confirmed that the 22-year-old had ruptured his Achilles tendon, ruling him out of action until next year.
Veteran Alex McCarthy has been called into the first team for the past two games, but Southampton are likely to delve into the transfer market in the summer in search of more stable cover. According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, work is already taking place on identifying potential targets, with Austrian international Patrick Pentz an option.
The 27-year-old is currently on loan at Danish outfit Brondby from German champions Bayer Leverkusen. He is enjoying an excellent season thus far, conceding just 19 goals in 21 league appearances. The club are sat top of the Danish Superliga with just six games remaining of the championship play-off.
Pentz has one year remaining on his existing deal, although a summer exit could be on the cards. Lukas Hradecky has been a mainstay of Leverkusen’s first team since 2018 and is unlikely to be replaced after helping secure the club’s first ever league title.
Southampton aren’t the only interested party though. It is also claimed that Scottish champions Celtic are keeping tabs on the situation as they prepare to lose Joe Hart at the end of the season. The former England international announced in February that he would retire following the conclusion of the campaign, where he will hope to sign off with a third successive league title.
Meanwhile, Russell Martin’s team suffered a setback in their quest for promotion at the weekend when they suffered a shock defeat at Cardiff City. They take on league leaders Leicester City tonight knowing that they realistically need three points to stand any chance of gatecrashing the top two.
Writer’s View
Given the choice of Southampton or Celtic, Pentz will likely opt to move north of the border should he decide to leave Germany on a permanent basis. Whereas he could potentially find himself playing in the Premier League next season, he would only be a stopgap option before Bazunu returns from his injury.
The former Manchester City man may well miss the entirety of next season, although Saints fans will be hoping to see him back between the sticks sooner rather than later.
Head of Writing
