PORTSMOUTH boss Danny Cowley earlier insisted imminent Saints signing Gavin Bazunu is “world-class” and predicted the youngster would play Premier League.
The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, as per multiple reports elsewhere, is nearing completion of a St Mary’s move – reportedly worth around £10-11million.
It comes after Manchester City asset Bazunu spent the season on loan in League One with Pompey, where he already became a fan-favourite across 46 appearances.
Portsmouth manager Cowley insisted “I have never been more sure of anything in my life” than he is sure Bazunu is ready for the English top-flight.
Asked if he could keep the promising international at Fratton Park at the end of this season, Cowley then admitted: “No, I don't think that would be possible for us.
"I am always trying to be fair, but I think we have to try and keep people like Hayden Carter and George Hirst, I generally do. Whether it would be possible or not, time will tell.
"We keep talking about trying to be competitive and this is what we have to do if we want to be competitive. Gavin will play in the Premier League. Let me tell you now: he is world class. He will be a world-class goalkeeper."
Bazunu has already earned 10 caps for his country, despite his only senior appearances in England coming over two League One loan spells with Rochdale and Portsmouth.
As a teenager, Dublin-born Bazunu also played for Shamrock Rovers – and could now be a Premier League starter, if he can usurp Alex McCarthy of the number one shirt.
🇮🇪 19-year-old Gavin Bazunu denies Cristiano Ronaldo... @FAIreland | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/igSvLR32mL
— UEFA Nations League (@EURO2024) September 4, 2021
Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has shown age is not a factor if a player is good enough, dropping Kyle Walker-Peters for 18-year-old Tino Livramento on the opening day of the 2021-22 season.
In a separate press conference, Cowley suggested playing in the top-flight will not concern Bazunu. He said: “Gavin is ready to play in the Premier League, I am convinced of that.
“It is not something I would say lightly or make a throwaway comment, but I have never been more sure of anything in my life. He will be world-class.
“It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work with him in this time and I will miss him every single minute of every single day next season.
“But like I tell my children, be glad that it has happened, don't be sad that it is over. He is a great kid and I will really enjoy watching his football journey.”
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