‘Big mistake’, ‘really wanted him to pressure Ederson’ – Man City fans react as Southampton closing in on Gavin Bazunu permanent transfer

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Southampton are close to signing Gavin Bazunu on a permanent basis.

Bazunu remains highly thought of at the Etihad and was in regular contact with City coach Xabier Mancisidor during his hugely successful loan spell at Fratton Park last term.

It is understood by Alex Crook of talkSPORT that City offered the Irish international a ‘big pay rise’ hoping he would sign a new long-term deal at the Premier League champions. However, this was seemingly rejected by the player due to his ambitions of being a number one goalkeeper in England’s top flight.

Southampton are on the lookout for a new stopper after Fraser Forster left St Mary’s to become Hugo Lloris’ number two at Tottenham.

According to the Daily Mail, the St Mary’s side, who have been linked with the Republic of Ireland international all summer, are hoping to sign Bazunu “in a deal worth up to £10million”.

It was also reported by The Athletic that Bazunu is on the verge of signing for Southampton in a deal expected to exceed £10million when potential add-ons are considered.

City have insisted on a significant buyback option in the deal for the future if Bazunu were to return to the club, with James Ducker of The Telegraph revealing that the club would also insert a sell-on clause in any deal.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Big mistake.”
Credit: @JohnnyKF17

“Why are we selling and not loaning. He would be a good back up.”
Credit: @BernardoTouch

“i feel like we’re going to regret this one”
Credit: @thriIseeker

“I really wanted him to pressure Ederson as no 2.”
Credit: @_blu_berry

“He wants to go to get time so bye, put a buy back clause on him and then that’s fine ”
Credit: @rhysconnor231

“if its not a loan surely weve included a buy back clause or something.”
Credit: @gabeknowsball

“Good luck to him. Needs first team football but we should defo be putting a buy back clause in there”
Credit: @ManCiteh00

“Deserves to play on a high level cannot blame him for wanting to make a permanent move!
Insert the buy back clause though.”
Credit: @kushveersingh14

“City fans are mad at this but a gk as established as Bazunu at such a young age would never want to just be a backup to Ederson. Especially when a PL club are interested in buying him. All I’m hoping is that there’s a buy-back in place and there’s nothing to complain about.”
Credit: @notsrini_

“The replies to this are wild. The idea that a 20 year old keeper is going to be happy sitting on City’s bench when a Premier League side want him is a mad take. This is an incredible opportunity for him.”
Credit: @City_Sean

“He’s better than Steffen but I get it. He’s too good not to start for at least a midtable PL team.”
Credit: @callmws