Report: Manchester City set to loan out ‘absolutely excellent’ talent, could be completed in 24 hours

Follow us on Google Discover

Manchester City will send goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu on loan to League One side Portsmouth for the 2021/22 season, according to the Irish Independent.

The Citizens believe the 19-year-old needs to spend another year away from the Etihad Stadium to gain more experience. He joined Rochdale on loan last summer and proved a regular under Brian Barry-Murphy at the Crown Oil Arena.

A number of clubs approached Manchester City to discuss deals for Bazunu, given the level of his performances last season. But Pep Guardiola’s side have decided that promotion-chasing Portsmouth is the best destination for the Republic of Ireland international.

Portsmouth could finalise their deal with Manchester City for Bazunu within the next 24 hours, after holding advanced negotiations. The shot-stopper has given his blessing to a move to Fratton Park over rival offers, with just a medical remaining.

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny will also be paying close attention to Bazunu’s efforts on the south coast. The four-cap ‘keeper is in contention for a starting role in September’s World Cup qualifiers after his debut in March.

Bazunu stepped up his international acumen earlier this month by starting both friendlies with Andorra and Hungary. He also recorded a shut-out against Hungary, who held France and Germany to scored draws at Euro 2020.

Manchester City gem Bazunu continues steady rise with Portsmouth loan

Bazunu will continue his steady domestic rise by leaving Manchester City for Portsmouth on loan. His international career has propelled faster, but it will serve the teenager well to join a side desperate for promotion.

League One offences kept the Citizens product very busy at Rochdale over his 29 appearances, but they failed to avoid relegation. Now, Manchester City can see how Bazunu – a former Tottenham and Celtic target – copes with the pressures at the other end of a table at Portsmouth.

Manchester City will expect Bazunu to do well at Portsmouth after showing what he can do on the international stage. Republic of Ireland boss Kenny, certainly, was impressed, having claimed, via the Independent: ‘Bazunu’s come in and just been absolutely excellent’.