“The experience I’ve had, I wouldn’t have got anywhere else."
Gavin Bazunu gave an emotional farewell to Portsmouth supporters as the curtains close on the League One season with Pompey in ninth place.
The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed a successful loan spell from parent club Manchester City at Portsmouth. The former Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper has made 43 appearances and kept 17 clean sheets for Pompey, with one league game remaining this season.
Gavin Bazunu reflects on his Portsmouth loan.
Bazunu pinpointed the importance of performing in front of fans this season, a luxury he missed in his last loan spell at Rochdale last season due to Covid.
The 20-year-old said that the experience of playing at Fratton Park this season was one he "wouldn't have got anywhere else."
“I think the biggest thing for me was to play in front of fans again, because of what I missed at Rochdale last year because of Covid,"
said Bazunu.
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“So I don’t think I could have come anywhere better in terms of fans and the support. There’s the pressure to perform, which is something you have to have to play at the top level. I’ve just enjoyed every minute of it.
“The experience I’ve had, I wouldn’t have got anywhere else. So, to play so many games, have ups and downs, and learn from mistakes is so important going into next year.”
Where could be next for Bazunu?
Bazunu reportedly is attracting the interest of Championship, Premier League, and Bundesliga clubs ahead of next season.
The Dubliner is also said to be in discussions about extending his contract with Man City, which expires in 2024.
If the Irish goalkeeper was to sign an extension, a loan to the Championship would seem most likely.
It could be argued that clubs such as Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, or Stoke City would be suitable destinations for the Bazunu to further his development.
However, if Bazunu was to seek a permanent move away from Man City in the summer, a Premier League club may be best suited for his career long-term.
Newcastle United, West Ham, and Crystal Palace all have first-choice goalkeepers in their mid-30s. However, they all may target more experienced goalkeepers this summer.
There is also a chance that Bazunu could become Ederson's understudy at Man City, particularly after Zack Steffen's mistake in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
This would see the Irish goalkeeper feature in cup competitions and mirror the role his compatriot Caoimhin Kelleher plays for Liverpool.
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