Republic of Ireland legend Richard Dunne reckons Southampton's Gavin Bazunu could be one of the signings of the season if he brings his international form to his new club.
Bazunu has been a revelation for the boys in green since bursting onto the scene in 2021. The 20-year-old has become a mainstay in Stephen Kenny ’s side and has impressed many with some dazzling displays in goal.
The ex-Manchester City youngster left the Etihad for St Mary’s earlier this summer in a deal reported to be worth nearly £17 million if all clauses are met. Ahead of his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, Dunne spoke to Betway about how he expects big things from the Irish goalie.
READ MORE: St Pat's produce of the LOI's best ever European results in Sofia
“They've signed a young Irish goalkeeper Bazunu for 17 million” Dunne said about the new Southampton signing.
“He had a great time at Portsmouth last year but repeating it in the Premier League...”
Despite being a newcomer in the premier League, Dunne is backing Bazunu to shine in England's top flight. Bazunu starred for Portsmouth in league one last term and was named Pompey's player of the season.
And Dunne reckons if the goalkeeper can perform as well for Southampton as he has for Ireland and Portsmouth, the Saints defensive record could drastically improve.
"He's done it for Ireland internationally, but if he has a good season that could really boost them because they tend to concede a lot of goals."
Bazunu of course is no stranger to the big stage having made his Irish debut at 19 and has had numerous big moments in an Irish shirt, such as when he saved Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty in Portugal, or his remarkable stop against Luxembourg.
The 20 year old has been named to start in Southampton's first premier league game of the season against spurs, which kicked-off at 3pm.
*Dunne was speaking as part of bookmaker Betways preview of the new premier league season. The full video of Dunne and Glen Johnson previewing the season can be found here*
READ NEXT:
CSKA 0 St Pat's Athletic 1 - the SuperSaints pull off one of the LOI's best ever European results
Viking 5 Sligo Rovers 1: Tough night for Bit O'Red in Europa Conference League
Daniel Ricciardo has 'four teams sounding him out' amid Oscar Piastri's McLaren links
Man Utd sponsor to ditch club with share prices plummeting since penning £235m deal
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
