Promising Irish and Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is set to go out on loan next season in order to gain some first team experience.
Dan McDonnell of the Irish Independent is reporting that the 18-year-old goalkeeper will join League One side Rochdale for the upcoming season on a loan move. Bazunu signed for Manchester City in 2019 for €500,000 after impressing for Shamrock Rovers and has continued to impress the Man City hierarchy during his time there.
At Rochdale, the Dubliner's progress would be monitored by manager and Corkman Brian Barry-Murphy. The proposed move should be seen as a sign of belief from Bazunu's parent club and indicates he's beginning the next stage of his development.
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Following lockdown Bazunu - a regular in Man City's U23 squad - was pictured training with the Manchester City first team. He was also included in the side's Champions League squad and brought on their tour of Asia last summer.
The Irish Independent are also reporting that news of a contract extension will come alongside confirmation of any loan move away from the club.
Competition For The Green Jersey
The Ireland goalkeeper position seems to be in safe hands for the future with Bazunu and Liverpool's Caoimhín Kelleher impressing at their respective clubs.
Kelleher has made four appearances for Liverpool this season in their various cup competitions but the Corkman could also benefit from a loan move to see more regular action.
Here's hoping the two can push each other on over the coming years: they seem likely to be the two goalkeepers fighting it out for the Ireland #1 shirt as the decade progresses.
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