Gavin Bazunu leaves Southampton for Bolton on a three-year deal

The move away from St Mary's marks a fresh start for the 24-year-old Dubliner, who had fallen down the goalkeeping pecking order at Southampton since signing from Manchester City in 2022, despite making 19 Championship appearances last season.

What Gavin Bazunu said about the move

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper said the chance to play regularly was the key consideration.

"It's obviously a club with massive history. I see it as a place where I can come and progress my personal career, while helping the team with their ambitions of getting back to where they belong," he told Wanderers TV.

"I want to get back to being in a position where I'm playing week in, week out and enjoying my football again. My big aim and ambition here is to play as many games as I can and show my levels."

What it means for Ireland

In the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, the former Shamrock Rovers player spent an injury-affected loan spell at Stoke City, and Southampton had previously loaned him to Belgian top-flight side Standard Liège.