By:
Mark Hendry
Stoke City sporting director Jonathan Walters has explained why the club snapped up Gavin Bazunu on loan.
The Southampton goalkeeper, 23, was signed by the Potters following injury to Viktor Johansson.
The first-choice stopper at bet365 Stadium had to undergo surgery so the club were desperate to replace him.
And that’s when Ireland international Bazunu became available and was brought in quickly.
Fellow Republic of Ireland cap Walters now works behind the scenes at the club on recruitment.
So he was a big part of bringing Bazunu to Stoke City.
Gavin Bazunu joins Stoke City on loan
And the 42-year-old heaped praise on the goalie as he revealed why he wanted to make the deal happen.
“Gavin is a high calibre goalkeeper who has played at the top level for club and country,” said Walters.
“Losing Viktor for a period of time meant that we had to act decisively.
“And when the opportunity to bring Gavin in came along, we acted quickly.
“Gavin is a goalkeeper who has played in the Premier League, has international experience and knows this division well, having been promoted out of it before.
“Bringing that experience into the group is valuable between now and the end of the season.
“Just as important, everything we know about Gavin, he’s a top professional with the determined mindset and right personality.
“He’s the type of character who will fit in well into our dressing room.
“Which is something that we place a real importance on.”
Why Jonathan Walters wanted Bazunu at Stoke
Bazunu himself spoke about the switch to EFL Championship rivals who sit seven places above his parent club.
And he added that speaking to Walters convinced him to make the move.
“From speaking to Jonathan Walters and some of the players here, I know I’m joining a great club and a brilliant group of lads,” Bazunu said.
“With the squad fighting for something big, it’s an exciting time for me to join.
“We’re in a great position.
“If we can put a run together, I believe we can make ourselves challengers come end of the season.”
It has been reported that an £8million future fee option has been placed on the table.
And Bazunu should have the opportunity to play regular football at the Potteries which he didn’t at Saints.
The 22-time cap had been kept out of the Southampton starting XI by ex-Bayern man Daniel Peretz.
It is now likely that Bazunu’s long-term future lies away from St Mary’s.
And whether it’s Stoke City permanently or not, the former Shamrock Rovers man is now in the shop window.
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