Southampton target Gavin Bazunu would be a ‘fairly risk-free signing’ this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
The 20-year-old is believed to be close to completing a move to St. Mary’s from Manchester City after enjoying an outstanding season on loan with League One outfit Portsmouth.
What is the latest news on Bazunu?
A recent report from The Athletic revealed Southampton have ‘completed a deal’ for Bazunu, ending their search for a new goalkeeper.
It’s claimed that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s charges have splashed out £12 million, which could rise to a fee in the region of £15m in potential add-ons, to secure the signature of the Republic of Ireland international, who already has 10 caps to his name.
Crook previously revealed details of the deal that has taken Bazunu to the south coast club, stating that City have insisted on inserting a buyback clause.
The reliable journalist claims that the 6 foot 2 ace rejected a new deal worth £45,000-a-week to remain at the Etihad Stadium and has been promised the number one spot at Southampton following Fraser Forster’s departure to Tottenham.
It is also believed the buy-back agreement between the clubs will be similar to the £40m Saints agreed with Chelsea when they bought full-back Tino Livramento 12 months ago.
What has Crook said about Bazunu?
When asked if signing Bazunu represented a risk for Southampton, Crook replied ‘not from what I’m told’ before citing his quality and relatively low price tag as reasons why.
He told GiveMeSport: “Not from what I'm told. Obviously, young players, particularly goalkeepers, can make mistakes, and he did make a couple on loan at Portsmouth last season.
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“But you look at some of the saves he's made, including a Ronaldo penalty; he’s a confident lad and a modern goalkeeper, he’s big, fills the goal, and he can play out from the back.
“I think it's fairly risk-free, especially for £15 million, which is the fee that's being talked about, that isn’t very much these days.”
Should Southampton be exciting by this deal?
Bazunu leaked 51 goals in 44 League One appearances last season, keeping 16 clean sheets as he helped Pompey to a 10th-placed finish in the third-tier standings.
But it’s perhaps his international exploits that have really confirmed the youngster’s status as a potential superstar.
In his 10 outings for the Republic of Ireland, Bazunu has prevented the opposition from scoring on four occasions, letting in just seven strikes.
Southampton have picked up several promising talents at the beginning of their careers in recent times, and Bazunu could be the next young hopeful to make his name with the club.