Gavin Bazunu G Southampton b.2002

**Eirambler** · 16/08/2020, 6:07 PM

Following on from his promotion to the Man City Champions League squad Bazunu has moved up the goalkeeper pecking order there, temporarily at least, with Carson and Bravo having both now left the club.

You'd have to assume City will be signing a more experienced backup keeper to be the second choice, but with the other senior keeper Muric having made no impact on loan at Forest last season I wonder if there might be a chance for Bazunu to challenge for the third choice spot next season? He might also get a run out in pre-season if city don't sign another keeper soon.

**elatedscum** · 17/08/2020, 4:52 AM

Zack Stegen is the most likely No.2 I think. They spent a fair whack of cash on him

**Eirambler** · 19/08/2020, 9:45 PM

And Carson has now signed on loan for another season. So really, no progression likely for Bazunu next season and it's probably a year too soon for him to go out on loan.

**ColourfulPeanut** · 20/08/2020, 12:52 AM

I wouldn't look at it so negatively. City have the best facilities in the world and he's training under a world class coach and with a world class modern keeper.

He has every opportunity to develop over the coming years. His game time will come when he's ready.

**nigel-harps1954** · 20/08/2020, 11:43 AM

I don't particularly think it's too early for him to go on loan. People seem to forget, he already has first team experience, and European experience under his belt at Shamrock Rovers.

He would be well able for a league one move.

**Eirambler** · 20/08/2020, 11:56 AM

Or even back to Rovers on loan for a few months next year to get some first team football to go with his training and development at City.

Interestingly one of the Man City 2002 year group has gone out on loan today to NAC, the first City player from that age group to do so. So it's possible that Bazunu or Hodge could go out on loan before too long.

Only thing with Bazunu is that City will probably want to keep him there until he qualifies as home grown, which won't be for a few more months I think.

**Charlie Darwin** · 24/08/2020, 3:24 AM

Originally Posted by Eirambler

Or even back to Rovers on loan for a few months next year to get some first team football to go with his training and development at City.

Interestingly one of the Man City 2002 year group has gone out on loan today to NAC, the first City player from that age group to do so. So it's possible that Bazunu or Hodge could go out on loan before too long.

Only thing with Bazunu is that City will probably want to keep him there until he qualifies as home grown, which won't be for a few more months I think.

He wouldn't play ahead of Mannus at Rovers but probably all other LOI clubs bar Waterford.

**nigel-harps1954** · 24/08/2020, 9:43 AM

Seems he's going on loan to League One Rochdale. Great move if he can get some game time rather than just sitting on the bench.

**Olé Olé** · 24/08/2020, 9:51 AM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Seems he's going on loan to League One Rochdale. Great move if he can get some game time rather than just sitting on the bench.

There are plenty reasons why that is a great move. It's close to Manchester so he has plenty touch points with City. The manager is Irish. The manager is ex-LOI. The club captain is Irish. Paul McShane is there. He could be playing behind McShane and O'Connell behind closed doors so the pressure would be much lower for a young keeper. Looking at their squad too, they don't have any outstanding first choice keeper.

**livehead1** · 24/08/2020, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Seems he's going on loan to League One Rochdale. Great move if he can get some game time rather than just sitting on the bench.

Superb move if he plays, terrible move if he doesn't. Muric was on loan from Man City at Nottingham Forest last season, spent the year on the bench.

**Eirambler** · 24/08/2020, 2:28 PM

That's a brilliant opportunity for an 18 year old keeper. Even if he plays just 10 or 15 games that would be great progress at his age, even better again if he can nail down a first team place.

**Diggs246** · 24/08/2020, 2:52 PM

Yep. Play and play well son. Great move

**Razors left peg** · 25/08/2020, 1:01 AM

Love this move. Not many 18 year old keeps get that sort of loan. Id expect him to be 1st choice there or there would be no point from Citys point of view. A good season could see his career skyrocket. Would also put him into contention for Ireland team. We really don't have huge options at GK

**samhaydenjr** · 25/08/2020, 2:21 AM

Four Irish players there and Brian Barry-Murphy as manager - hopefully they'll help him feel at home. Competition for a place will come from Jay Lynch, a 27-year-old who has played most of his career in non-league and 20-year-old academy product, Bradley Wade, who has yet to make a senior appearance - so could be an opening for him

**tommy_c12000** · 20/09/2020, 4:56 PM

First English league game clean sheet today for Gavin, made some really good saves per report. O’Connell injured, along with a Rochdale forward.

I expect BBB to delve into the loan market over the next couple of weeks. He seems to be targeting Irish players. Afolabi is a good fit. I would love to see Collins go until the new year too, O’Connells injury likely on the more medium term side of things

**Olé Olé** · 20/09/2020, 5:11 PM

Forgot about Afolabi and his rear end gathering splinters. However far away Connell is/was, Afolabi wasn't in with the first team squad for pre-season. I am really disappointed with his past 12 months. Such a prospect but look at how his peers are kicking on- Obafemi, Parrott, Connolly, Idah. He has so much ground to make up on them.