"I'm not convinced" - Question mark raised over Gavin Bazunu situation at Southampton FC | OneFootball

Football League World's Southampton Fan Pundit has explained his opinion on the Saints' choice for number one goalkeeper next season.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Southampton became the first team to be relegated from the Premier League this season following their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, setting a new record in the division in the process.

The Saints became the earliest side to drop into the Championship by gameweek, beating the record that was previously set by Derby County in 2007/08. In fact, the Hampshire outfit could still take the Rams' record all-time points low of 11, and with just six games to go, they still need one more draw to equal it.

Southampton are without a full-time manager following Ivan Juric's decision to leave the club after relegation was confirmed, with Simon Rusk the current caretaker boss.

Nevertheless, plans will have already started for next season, and it is looking more and more likely that their number one goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, is set to leave - leading to questions about who replaces him.

Verdict made on Gavin Bazunu's chances of replacing Ramsdale

The Saints brought in the England international from Arsenal in the summer for a deal worth up to £25m, but his side have struggled greatly defensively, and this has been a huge reason behind their return to the Championship.

Ramsdale is being targeted by Leeds United, who look set to win promotion to the Premier League, with a release clause in his contract now becoming active following his current team's relegation.

Football League World has asked their Southampton Fan Pundit, Martin Sanders, if he believes Gavin Bazunu, the Saints' first-choice goalkeeper last season, could take the number one shirt once again on his return from a loan spell with Standard Liege.

He told FLW: "No, not in my opinion.

"He had a really tough spell in the Premier League the first time round when he signed with us and I think he had a really tough time in the Championship as well."

Martin continued: "I will be interested to see what we do in regards to the goalkeeping department, and whether we have money to spend. I think we probably see Bazunu as the next Southampton number one. He's on loan at Standard Liege at the moment and I think it's been tough for him.

"But, I'm not convinced that he will be the answer next season in the Championship."

Next season could be tough for Southampton in the Championship

While they were able to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season, performances have been nothing short of terrible for the majority of 2024/25, and there will be a fear that this will continue in the next campaign.

Luton Town are an example of this, with the Hatters threatened by relegation to League One, having only played in the top flight 12 months ago, and Southampton will need a reliable goalkeeper with experience to ensure that they do not suffer a similar fate.

Leeds have also shown this season how important it is to have a competent shot-stopper between the posts, as Illan Meslier has made a number of errors that have proven costly.

Bazunu has not been convincing in the past, and at just 23, there will be a lot of pressure on young shoulders next season if he is made the number one. Southampton must use any fee brought in from Ramsdale's potential save on a replacement who will be the calm presence that is going to be needed at St. Mary's.