Update emerges in Stoke City transfer chase for Southampton's Gavin Bazunu | OneFootball

The Potters look to set to add Gavin Bazunu to their goalkeeping department.

Stoke City are in advanced talks to sign Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.

This is according to journalist Daniel McDonnell, who reports that the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper is set to join on loan for the remainder of the season, with the club holding an option to buy at the end of the season.

The Potters firmly remain in the hunt for promotion back to the Premier League this season under Mark Robins, an appealing project for Bazunu to join.

After a previous run of just two wins in 10 Championship outings, the Potters have got themselves back on track at the start of 2026 by recording back-to-back victories, dispatching Hull City and Norwich City while keeping clean sheets in the process, as well as getting their revenge to knock Coventry City out of the FA Cup last weekend.

Their Championship form has lifted the Midlands outfit back to the periphery of the play-off places, with an optimism that the club has shaken off a rough patch and can really attack the remainder of the season.

But to have the best chance of success during the remainder of the term, Stoke had to address the goalkeeping department, which has been rocked by number one Viktor Johansson, suffering a long-term injury to his ankle and requiring surgery.

Therefore, the Potters have acted swiftly to bring in Bazunu, who has fallen down the pecking order on the South Coast due to the Saints adding a goalkeeper to their ranks too, in the form of Daniel Peretz.

As per a report by the Irish Independent's Daniel McDonnell, Stoke City are closing in on the signing of Gavin Bazunu from Southampton during the January transfer window.

The deal is believed to originally be a loan, but Stoke do possess the option to buy in the summer should they wish to use it.

Bazunu has played 19 times in the Championship for Southampton this season, but the former Man City man has received fierce criticism for his performances this term.

Due to this, the Saints have wasted no time in the transfer market by getting him out of the door and sourcing a replacement, with Daniel Peretz arriving on the South Coast at the turn of the year.

It was a deal that seemed to suit both parties, particularly when Southampton also have Alex McCarthy on the books who can deputise for their latest signing.

Southampton may be questioned for helping out a Championship rival

From the outside looking in, you have to question Southampton’s decision to sell one of their first-team assets to a Championship rival, particularly when the Potters are in grave need of help.

Stoke are just seven points above the Saints in the second-tier table, so giving them a helping hand during the second half of the campaign is an interesting decision to make from the hierarchy, and it could come back to bite them if the shot-stopper goes on to thrive under Mark Robins at the Bet365 Stadium.

Southampton fans will undoubtedly be sceptical at this deal being sanctioned, and they will be hopeful that Peretz can come in and be a massive improvement on Bazunu, while the Irish international continues his struggles away from St Mary's.