Gavin Bazunu has joined Southampton on a permanent deal, handing Manchester City a welcome boost in the transfer market.
Bazunu, 20, joined City in 2019 from Shamrock Rovers for a six-figure sum, and has impressed in two season-long loans in League One in the last two years. After making 32 appearances for Rochdale under City's current academy head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, Bazunu really kicked on at Portsmouth last season where he played 46 times.
Now, the Republic of Ireland international has made the south coast switch from Fratton Park to St Mary's as he moves to Southampton in a deal that could reportedly rise to £15m.
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The sale gives City a boost to their transfer budget as they look for more signings in the summer window after Erling Haaland. Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella have been linked in recent days as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad further ahead of the new season.
Bazunu has previously spoken about becoming City's first-choice goalkeeper in future, but had stated that he didn't intend to sit on the bench next season either at the Etihad or elsewhere. Now he makes the switch to City's Premier League rivals, he will be looking for regular game time under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
City reportedly have a buy-back option on Bazunu, as they have with other player sales in recent years, as well as a sell-on clause should be move on from Southampton.
Also departing City this week is fellow goalkeeper James Trafford, who has re-joined Bolton in League One on a season-long loan following a successful six months at the University of Bolton Stadium last season.
City re-signed Scott Carson on a one-year contract on Tuesday, with Zack Steffen and Ederson completing their goalkeeper department for next season.
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