Celtic Considers Signing Southampton Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu Amidst Growing Competition
Celtic is evaluating its options for a new goalkeeper and has included Gavin Bazunu on its shortlist, according to a recent report from The Daily Echo. The club also considers Balazs Toth and Leo Cavallius, but they face competition from Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb, which is also interested in the Southampton keeper.
Bazunu, a 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international, began his career with Shamrock Rovers’ academy, where he earned senior status at 16. He caught the attention of Manchester City shortly after his breakthrough in Irish football but was loaned to Rochdale and Portsmouth for more regular playing time in League One.
He had a standout season at Portsmouth, being named the club’s Player of the Season, which led to a significant £12 million transfer to Southampton in 2022. Bazunu initially served as the starting goalkeeper for the Saints, but the team struggled and finished last in the Premier League, resulting in relegation to the Championship. Nevertheless, he managed to hold his position and played a role in the team’s quick revival to the top tier. However, an Achilles injury in April 2024 sidelined him for months.
Upon his return, Bazunu found himself behind Aaron Ramsdale and Alex McCarthy in the goalkeeping hierarchy. In February 2025, he was loaned to Standard Liège but was recalled by Southampton after sustaining another injury shortly thereafter.
Despite featuring in 19 games for the Saints during the first half of last season, Bazunu lost his starting role to Daniel Peretz, who joined from Bayern Munich. He was then sent on loan to Stoke City; however, a thigh injury limited his appearances to six while in Staffordshire.
With Southampton’s recent signings, including George Long, and the release of McCarthy, the chances of Bazunu remaining at the club seem slim. His contract extends until the summer of 2027, yet the club is likely to accept a lower fee to avoid losing him for nothing a year later.
Celtic’s search for a goalkeeper signifies a shift in their transfer approach. Previously, they sought experienced players for immediate impact, exemplified by the acquisition of Kasper Schmeichel to replace Joe Hart after his retirement. However, following Schmeichel’s injury, Sinisalo stepped in, ultimately earning the starting role and contributing to the team’s success in the Premiership.
The interest in Bazunu reflects Celtic’s evolving strategy as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options. With Ross Doohan positioned as the current third-choice keeper, Bazunu could provide competition and support for Sinisalo, allowing him to reclaim his confidence following a challenging period marked by injury.
If a recent report from The Daily Echo (as cited by The National) is true, Celtic are assessing the market for another goalkeeper and have shortlisted Gavin Bazunu alongside Balazs Toth and Leo Cavallius. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb also weighing up a move for the Southampton custodian.
The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international progressed through Shamrock Rovers’ academy in his homeland before earning senior status at 16. Manchester City tied him down soon after his emergence in Irish football, but eventually loaned him out to Rochdale and Portsmouth, respectively, in League One for regular gametime.
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Bazunu was Pompey’s Player of the Season, which earned him a high-profile £12m transfer to Southampton in 2022. Although he was the first choice between the sticks, the Saints finished rock bottom, thus suffering relegation to the Championship. The youngster retained his spot and contributed to their immediate return to the top flight. But an Achilles injury sustained in April 2024 ruled him out for months.
The Irishman slipped to third in the pecking order behind Aaron Ramsdale and Alex McCarthy by the time he returned to action. The Saints loaned him to Standard Liège in February 2025, but the Belgian outfit sent him back to his parent club a couple of months later following a fresh fitness concern.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Gabriel of Arsenal has a shot saved by Gavin Bazunu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Despite making 19 appearances for Southampton in the first half of the previous campaign, Bazunu lost his starting spot to Daniel Peretz following the latter’s arrival from Bayern Munich earlier this year. He was loaned to Championship opponents Stoke City for the remainder of the season; however, a thigh injury restricted him to six appearances in Staffordshire.
Why Signing Bazunu Would Be A Shrewd Business For Celtic
Besides Peretz and Ramsdale, the Saints have roped George Long in permanently, having released McCarthy upon the expiry of his St Mary’s contract. Bazunu, contracted until the summer of 2027, is also expected to depart, and the Hampshire side should accept a minuscule fee over losing him for nothing a year later.
Celtic have preferred high-profile veterans to provide immediate leadership and stability as a short-term solution in the recent past. Kasper Schmeichel was snapped up as a like-for-like replacement for Joe Hart after the Englishman retired from professional football. But a shoulder injury forced the veteran Dane to hang up his gloves. Sinisalo seized his opportunities en route to their dramatic Premiership triumph, and his expertise in the last line of defence has been rewarded with the ‘number 1′ status.
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The rumoured interest in the Irish prospect demonstrates Celtic’s change in transfer policy while recruiting a shot-stopper. With Ross Doohan viewed as the third choice, Bazunu should challenge and cover Sinisalo rather than replace him between the posts. His career has stalled of late due to persistent fitness woes, and a move north of the border would offer him a fresh start, helping him shake off the disappointment and despair.
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