In the 2022 summer transfer window, Southampton signed a host of new players including young talents as well as elite players to gear up for the upcoming 2022/23 season. Only a few of them such as Romeo Lavia, Carlos Alcaraz and Joe Aribo have been smart signings for the club while others have mostly struggled with form and playing time since arriving at the St. Mary's Stadium. One of them is former Manchester City prodigy Gavin Bazunu, who joined Southampton from City's U21 side for around £12 million transfer fee.
The Saints had first choice keeper Alex McCarthy and experienced England international Fraser Forster had departed the club on a free transfer to join Tottenham Hotspurs, thus they wanted Bazunu to be the second choice keeper for Southampton. Moreover, Bazunu was given regular playing time alongside McCarthy in order to give him more Premier League experience to be the long-term number one for the Saints in the upcoming seasons. However, a collective underwhelming season was followed by an injury towards the end of the 2023/24 season, and the 22-year-old is expected to return around the beginning of the new year.
What next for the former Manchester City prodigy at Southampton after his return from injury
Meanwhile, Southampton have signed Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale in a £25 million move in the transfer window, and have Alex McCarthy as their second choice goalkeeper. Therefore, Bazunu is currently the third choice keeper and will need to compete for playing time with starting goalkeeper Ramsdale at the club. With Ramsdale in good form at the moment, making a few huge saves every week for Russell Martin's side, the question arises that what is next for the talented Manchester City prodigy as he recovers from his injury.
If Ramsdale continues making crucial saves for the Saints throughout this season, Bazunu will have to go out on a season long loan move to rediscover his best form next season. Further, if Southampton are relegated at the end of the season, Bazunu may have to accept a move to the Championship as well. However, Bazunu is a proven player in the League One during his previous loan move at Portsmouth and can take his career back on track with an impressive season in the Championship.
Also, Bazunu can get more playing time at Southampton next season, if Ramsdale joins another Premier League club after his brilliant displays for the Saints. Thus, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the talented Southampton goalkeeper who is aiming towards making a brilliant comeback after recovering from his injury.