Southampton fans will love Steven Schumacher's "huge" Bolton Wanderers transfer claim | OneFootball

The Bolton manager has been speaking about a transfer that went through over the summer.

As expected, Southampton have enjoyed a stellar start to the Championship season, putting all the noise of the summer behind them.

Indeed, if it were not for the four-point deduction, then the Saints would be level on points with top-of-the-table West Ham, whose goal difference is superior because of their hammering of Wrexham.

At the other end of the table, Bolton Wanderers have been adjusting to life in the second tier and will be feeling much more confident after their second win of the season over Cardiff City.

Now, Trotters boss Steven Schumacher has made a claim that will prick the ears of Southampton supporters following a transfer that went through over the summer.

Steven Schumacher reveals Gavin Bazunu's huge Southampton contract

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Bolton signed goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu from Southampton towards the end of the summer window, ending his four-year stay at St Mary's Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland international started on the bench for three successive Championship matches before making his league debut against the Hammers, where the Trotters were edged out in a five-goal thriller.

However, the 24-year-old followed up that performance by keeping a clean sheet against the Bluebirds, securing the club's second clean sheet of the campaign.

“I think him agreeing to come here is a really good sign of what he wants to do,” Schumacher told The Bolton News.

“He was at Southampton and on a huge contract, and he decided to terminate that and come and play for us, because we said there would be an opportunity."

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Southampton have possessed several high earners on their books, which is unsurprising given their recent stint in the Premier League, so offloading a player surplus to requirements will be welcome news.

Bazunu joined the South Coast club from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for a reported £12million, and it is safe to say the Saints did not get their money's worth.

The Irishman slotted straight into Ralph Hasenhüttl's side for the 2022/23 Premier League season and played every minute up until the end of April when he was dropped for Alex McCarthy for the final six games as the club were relegated.

However, the shot-stopper benefited from Southampton's relegation to the Championship and was the club's number one until an Achilles tendon rupture cruelly ended his season.

Bazunu never really recovered from that setback, and after a couple of loans, he did make 19 Championship appearances last term, but was always going to be usurped by a better talent.

All in all, it will be frustrating for the Saints, as they likely made a significant loss on Bazunu, but they will be relieved to have his wages off their books.

Southampton must sort future of other high-earning goalkeeper

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While one high earner might be out the door, there is still one on Southampton's books who faces an uncertain future.

Aaron Ramsdale spent last season on loan with Newcastle United and made 23 appearances in all competitions, including four in the Champions League, but was unable to secure a move away from St Mary's over the summer.

According to Capology, Ramsdale is the second-highest earner in the Championship behind Jarrod Bowen, earning an estimated £120,000 per week.

That is far too much for a player who has been playing in the under-21s and with just under two years remaining on his contract, the club and player will surely want to find a solution.