Tonda Eckert drops potential Gavin Bazunu, Southampton exit hint | OneFootball

Gavin Bazunu is facing an uncertain future at Southampton

Tonda Eckert has hinted at a potential exit from Southampton this January for Gavin Bazunu.

The Saints have added a new goalkeeper to their ranks already in the winter market, bringing Daniel Peretz in from Bayern Munich.

The 25-year-old will spend the second half of the campaign on loan at St. Mary’s, which is likely to displace the Irishman as first choice between the sticks.

Bazunu has come under criticism from Southampton supporters for his performances for the club this season after returning from loan in the summer.

The shot-stopper spent the second half of the previous campaign with Standard Liege after he struggled for game time in the Premier League, but he has featured 19 times in the Championship this term, conceding 28 times.

Tonda Eckert refuses to rule out Gavin Bazunu exit

Eckert has claimed that any decision over Bazunu’s future will be down to Johannes Spors, the club’s sporting director, indicating that an exit could be on the cards before the 2 February deadline.

The Southampton boss claimed that a decision has yet to be made over his immediate future, and that all options will be on the table as they seek the best path forward for the Ireland international.

"I think that's more a question for Johannes," said Eckert, via the Daily Echo.

"We need to make sure that we find the best option for him and the club.

"Those conversations are taking place and will continue to take place, but in the end, it's a decision between the club and him.

“We'll see.

"The Irish boys just had a couple of days off more because they had not had a break.

“We'll come to a decision that is best for everyone involved."

Bazunu joined Southampton in the 2022 summer transfer window, arriving from Manchester City after an impressive spell on loan with Portsmouth in League One.

However, an Achilles injury and inconsistent form have given him a difficult time at St. Mary’s, leading to criticism from supporters.

The Saints are seeking promotion to the Premier League this season, but currently sit 15th in the table, eight points adrift of the play-off places.

Next up for Eckert’s side is a trip to face Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Another January loan may be on the cards for Gavin Bazunu

With Peretz arriving on loan, Bazunu is unlikely to be first choice in the second half of the campaign, so an exit to get game time would make sense.

Southampton won’t want to leave themselves short on options in the summer when the 25-year-old returns to Bayern Munich, so a loan might be preferable for Bazunu at this stage.

The goalkeeper’s contract does expire in 18 months, so having him go out on loan and playing regularly could help maintain his transfer value going into the summer, where he can be more easily replaced permanently.

It hasn’t worked for Bazunu at Southampton, and he is still only 23-years-of-age, so a change in scenery might be the best for everyone.