Southampton’s £12 million outcast determined to ‘take these opportunities’ on pre-season ahead of Championship campaign

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Southampton are looking to put their poor Premier League campaign behind them as they embark on the Championship this season, aiming to achieve promotion.

It was a massively disappointing year for the Saints last time out, and the Hampshire outfit nearly broke Derby County’s points record as they accrued just 12 over the course of their 38 games.

However, Will Still has been appointed as Southampton manager, and there are hopes that the club can turn a corner and get back on track with a top two finish as the target.

This will hopefully bring about a fresh start ahead of the Championship season for several players, as some in the squad look to impress the new coach to revitalise their careers.

One of those looking to do exactly that is a player who has had a tough 18 months at the club, as they have struggled for minutes with the Saints.

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Gavin Bazunu looking to ‘take these opportunities’ in pre-season with Southampton

The Ireland international joined Southampton in June 2022 from Manchester City for a £12 million fee, with the club in the Premier League.

His first season was a struggle as the club were relegated to the Championship; however, he was in net for most of their promotion campaign until he got injured in April and was ruled out for around nine months.

Southampton would sign Aaron Ramsdale as a replacement during this, yet upon his return Gavin Bazunu went on loan to Standard Liege, but he struggled in Belgium.

Bazunu has now spoken about his future with the Daily Echo and his desire to remain at Southampton to fight for the starting goalkeeper jersey.

He said: “I want to be here, definitely. I’m not sure how much of it’s going to be in my hands, but I’m ready to play, and I’m hoping to play here.

“All we can do is take these opportunities we get to play and just show what we can do, really. It’s nice to be back out there getting minutes again.

“To be able to start from the very start with the lads and to be able to get minutes in the games and train every day is really important.”

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Gavin Bazunu looking to move past tough period

Injuries are a huge part of a career in professional football, with a positive reaction to them being incredibly important.

Bazunu has unfortunately suffered this injury early in his career just as he was establishing himself as the outright Southampton goalkeeper and being in the conversation to be the Ireland international keeper.

However, his injury has seen him sidelined for both teams, with him now the second choice at both teams.

Bazunu is looking to kick on, and his mindset is to be admired, as he is willing to battle for his position at Southampton as he looks to put his tough period behind him.