Stoke City push to sign Southampton star on loan with £8m option to buy

Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu appears set for a temporary move away from St Mary’s, with reports indicating he is on the verge of joining Championship rivals Stoke City on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent for £8 million.

According to The Independent, the Republic of Ireland international is expected to head to the bet365 Stadium after slipping down the goalkeeping hierarchy at Southampton. His situation has changed rapidly following the club’s decision to bring in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, a move that has significantly altered the landscape between the posts.

Peretz, who arrived on loan, was immediately handed a starting role at the weekend, a strong signal that head coach Tonda Eckert views him as a key part of his plans. The Israeli international was trusted to step straight into the lineup, underlining Southampton’s intention to make him their first-choice goalkeeper moving forward.

With Peretz now in place, Southampton also retain experienced stopper Alex McCarthy, who provides a dependable backup option. Given that depth, Bazunu’s departure is unlikely to disrupt Eckert’s plans, particularly if Peretz establishes himself quickly as the club’s new number one. That shift was further highlighted when Bazunu was omitted entirely from the matchday squad against Doncaster Rovers, with McCarthy instead named on the bench as cover.

Bazunu closing in on Stoke move

The Independent reports that Bazunu is already in Stoke as discussions progress toward a loan agreement. Talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with the deal expected to include a £8 million option to buy at the end of the season. The urgency behind Stoke’s interest stems from an injury to their current first-choice goalkeeper, Viktor Johansson, who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Johansson’s absence has forced Stoke and manager Mark Robins to move swiftly in the market, and Bazunu has emerged as a leading solution. Despite his mixed form this season, the Irish international’s experience and age profile make him an appealing short-term fix with long-term potential.

Bazunu has featured 19 times for Southampton in the Championship this campaign, but his performances have divided opinion. While he has shown flashes of quality, there have also been costly errors that have drawn criticism from supporters and pundits alike. Those inconsistencies appear to have prompted Southampton to act decisively in the transfer window, accelerating their pursuit of an alternative option in goal.

The arrival of Peretz has effectively confirmed that Bazunu is no longer seen as Eckert’s preferred choice. McCarthy, meanwhile, has only started seven league matches this season, suggesting that his role will remain that of a supporting figure rather than a long-term solution. All signs point toward Peretz being the man entrusted to lead Southampton’s defensive line for the remainder of the campaign.

A bold move with potential consequences

Southampton’s willingness to allow Bazunu to join a direct Championship rival raises eyebrows. Stoke are currently pushing for a place in the play-offs and sit eighth in the table, while Southampton are aiming to climb into similar territory as the season progresses. With only a seven-point gap separating the two sides, strengthening a competitor midway through the campaign carries obvious risks.

From the outside, it may appear a curious decision to bolster a rival’s squad, particularly in such a key position. However, Eckert’s actions suggest he has little intention of relying on Bazunu again, making a loan move the most practical solution for all parties. Offloading the goalkeeper not only reduces competition in the squad but also allows Bazunu the opportunity to rebuild confidence elsewhere.

For Stoke, the move represents a calculated gamble. Despite Southampton’s readiness to move on, Mark Robins and his coaching staff clearly believe Bazunu has the ability to make a meaningful impact. At just 22 years old, he remains a goalkeeper with significant experience at Championship and Premier League level, and a change of environment could help him rediscover consistency.

The inclusion of an £8 million purchase option adds another layer of intrigue. Should Bazunu impress during his loan spell, Stoke would have the chance to secure his services permanently. For Southampton, that clause provides a potential exit route and financial return if Eckert’s decision to move on from the goalkeeper proves justified.

Pressure on Peretz to deliver

While Bazunu prepares for a fresh start, attention at St Mary’s will turn firmly toward Daniel Peretz. Supporters will be hoping the club’s decisive move pays off and that the Bayern Munich loanee can deliver the stability Southampton have been seeking between the posts.

There is also a sense of risk involved. If Bazunu thrives at Stoke while Peretz struggles to adapt, questions will inevitably be asked about the wisdom of Southampton’s decision. For now, Eckert appears confident in his assessment, backing Peretz to establish himself quickly and justify the reshuffle.

As the second half of the Championship season approaches, Bazunu’s loan switch could have significant implications for both clubs. Stoke gain a goalkeeper they believe can push them closer to the play-offs, while Southampton place their trust in a new face as they aim to reignite their own promotion ambitions. Whether that gamble proves inspired or costly will become clearer in the months ahead.