SAINTS manager Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted Gavin Bazunu is “a very exciting addition to the squad” after the goalkeeper completed his St Mary’s transfer.

The 20-year-old Manchester City starlet has signed a five-year deal to remain with Saints until 2027, after weeks of negotiations and ironing out finishing touches.

Bazunu has gained valuable experience out on loan in League One, after making 32 appearances for Rochdale in 2020/21 he last season was player of the year by his teammates and the club’s supporters at Portsmouth.

He becomes the first major signing of the Sport Republic era, and adds competition to Alex McCarthy for the number one shirt.

“As a club, we are always on the lookout for young talent,” Hasenhuttl said. “And Gavin is a very exciting addition to the squad.

“We believe he has tremendous potential to improve and will give us great competition for places in the goalkeeping department.

“He is a goalkeeper with a very modern style of play, comfortable in the build-up phase, who has developed physically through some very important loan moves early in his career.”

Bazunu has earned 10 caps for native Republic of Ireland despite his young age, and saved a penalty from international all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo in one of those.

He continued: “He is already an international goalkeeper, which is very rare for his age. Coming from Manchester City, we know he has learned from some of the very best coaches and teammates.

“Coming here gives him more opportunities to develop his game through playing in the Premier League.”

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