Portsmouth provide transfer update on Manchester City loanee Gavin Bazunu & where he could play next season

The Irishman has impressed this season for Pompey and on the international stage.
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Portsmouth are keen on bringing Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu back to Fratton Park next season, according to the club’s CEO Andrew Cullen.

The 20-year-old has impressed on loan at Pompey this season and has kept 13 clean sheets in 31 appearances.

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Bazunu is a highly regarded young talent and was linked with a January move to Championship side Bournemouth, but remained with Portsmouth.

Speaking earlier this month, the League One club’s CEO confirmed they would like to retain the services of the Dublin-born stopper in 2022/23 but admitted it could be a tall order due to the player’s talent and potential.

Bazunu spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Porstmouth. Credit: Getty.Bazunu spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Porstmouth. Credit: Getty.
Bazunu spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Porstmouth. Credit: Getty.

“We would love to keep Gavin Bazunu next season,” Cullen said during a recent fans’ conference.

“But unless we get there, then Gavin is highly likely to be in at least the Championship, maybe even in the Premier League, either on a loan or as part of Manchester City’s squad,” he added.

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Cullen’s response highlights Bazunu’s ability, with the CEO believing he could be ready to play in the English top flight.

That assessment will come as no surprise to fans of the Republic of Ireland international side, where Bazunu has established himself as his country’s No.1 in the last 12 months.

After making his debut in March 2021, the City keeper has started in every competitive Ireland game since, and saved a penalty from Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in September.

Bazunu has earned 10 caps so far and has kept four clean sheets. He also spent last season on loan at Rochdale and previously played for Dublin outfit Shamrock Rovers.

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Should Bazunu return to the City first-team squad, he would be one of five keepers in their senior ranks along with Ederson, Zack Steffen, Scott Carson and Arijanet Muric, although the latter is currently on loan at Adana Demirspor.

Bazunu joined City in 2018 but is yet to play a first-team game for the club, and has only represented their underage sides.