Bazunu completes loan move to Stoke City
Stoke City have completed the signing Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu on loan from Southampton until the end of the season.
Bazunu found himself out of favour at Southampton after they brought in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
The Israeli international went straight into the starting line-up last weekend against Doncaster Rovers.
Stoke's first-choice goalkeeepr Viktor Johansson has suffered a long-term injury, leading to a move for the Dubliner.
The Potters are pushing for a play-off spot in the Championship, currently occupying eighth place. They are just six points off automatic promotion.
Bazunu helped Southampton reach the Premier League two seasons ago and played a campaign in the top-flight following a move from Manchester City.
He moved to the Etihad Stadium as a 16-year-old after making his senior debut for Shamrock Rovers.
Bazunu joins the Potters with over 200 senior appearances under his belt, including 11 on loan with Belgian top tier outfit Standard Liege last season when on the comeback from injury.
"Gavin is a high calibre goalkeeper who has played at the top level for club and country," said Stoke sporting director and former Irish international Jonathan Walters.
"Losing Viktor for a period of time meant that we had to act decisively, and when the opportunity to bring Gavin in came along, we acted quickly.
"Gavin is a goalkeeper who has played in the Premier League, has international experience and knows this division well, having been promoted out of it before. Bringing that experience into the group is valuable between now and the end of the season.
"Just as important, from everything we know about Gavin, he’s a top professional with a determined mindset and the right personality. He’s the type of character who will fit in well into our dressing room, which is something that we place a real importance on."
Bazunu added: "From speaking to Jonathan Walters and some of the players here, I know I’m joining a great club and a brilliant group of lads.
"With the squad fighting for something big, it’s an exciting time for me to join. We’re in a great position and, if we can put a run of results together, I believe we can make ourselves challengers come the end of the season."
