Everton are reportedly eyeing a transfer swoop for Ireland and Manchester City starlet Gavin Bazunu in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to The Irish Independent, Premier League side Everton are keeping a close watch on Manchester City shot-stopper Gavin Bazunu ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Shamrock Rovers, making his first-team bow for the club in 2018. Bazunu’s performances were enough to convince Manchester City to take a punt on him, landing his signature a year later.
Bazunu has played for the Manchester City youth side, even making the senior squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid in 2020. He has spent the 2021/22 season out on loan at Portsmouth and has stood out for the League One side. Bazunu was one of the club’s standout players in a season where they finished tenth in the English third division.
The youngster made 46 appearances for Portsmouth, keeping 17 clean sheets during that time. He was voted the Players’ Player and Player of the Season for his efforts. This has attracted attention from elsewhere, particularly Everton.
Everton have endured a difficult season that has seen them flirt with relegation. A series of good results has seen them rise to 16th spot, but with just two points separating them from 18th, they are far from safe.
A major reason for Everton’s struggles has been any lack of organisation in the defence. Everton have conceded 56 goals in the Premier League this season, a tally that is better than just five other sides in the top flight.
A big reason for their good form in recent times is Jordan Pickford. The England number one was the hero against both Chelsea and Manchester United. While the 28-year-old can be impressive on his day, he can be equally calamitous otherwise. Regardless or not of whether they stay up, Everton are willing to listen to offers for Pickford this summer amid links with Newcastle United and Tottenham.
This makes bringing in another goalkeeper a priority, and Bazunu certainly is a solid choice. The 20-year-old is already a full international for the Republic of Ireland and has won ten caps at the senior level. He is far from the finished product and could develop into a long-term solution for the Everton in goal if he arrived from Manchester City.
Manchester City already have an undisputed number one in Ederson Moraes, and it is difficult to see Bazunu overtake the Brazilian anytime soon. The Premier League champions appear to be willing to either sell or loan the youngster following interest in him from a multitude of clubs.
While Manchester City will, in all certainty, include a buyback clause in any permanent deal, Everton will be advised to still make a move. They could do with a goalkeeper who is not as inconsistent as Pickford and can also provide them with a reliable last line of defence for the long term. Bazunu certainly fits the bill, and it remains to be seen if he will move to Everton this summer.
