James McClean reacts as Stoke City wrap up latest signing
Stoke City have completed the loan signing of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu from Southampton until the end of the season.
The Potters have been in need of a new keeper after Viktor Johansson picked up a long-term injury for the Staffordshire side.
This saw Tommy Simkin recalled from his loan at Leyton Orient this campaign, with the goalkeeper yet to concede in his three appearances since returning to Stoke.
Nevertheless, Mark Robins has still opted to reinforce this position, with James McClean reacting to the signing of the 23-year-old.
Stopper signed ✍️
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) January 13, 2026
Gavin Bazunu joins on loan from Southampton until the end of the 25/26 season.
James McClean reacts as Gavin Bazunu joins Stoke City on loan
It will have surprised few that Bazunu has left Southampton this month.
Bazunu has proven to be inconsistent for the Saints this season and briefly lost his place in the team earlier in the campaign as Southampton struggle in the Championship.
With Southampton adding Daniel Peretz to their squad this month, this has allowed the Republic of Ireland international to move to Stoke.
Upon Stoke announcing this news on their Instagram on 13 January, former Potter, McClean, reacted by liking the post.
Can Bazunu succeed at Stoke City?
Previously, Bazunu was a highly rated goalkeeper, with teams such as Tottenham chasing him. However, this season, the goalkeeper has been dire.
According to Fotmob on 14 January, the Stoke loanee has few redeeming stats.
So far this season, he is averaging 1.47 goals conceded per match, as well as a save percentage of 61.1.
On top of this, he is only making 2.32 saves on average every game, an extremely low stat for the division.
| Gavin Bazunu’s Championship stats this season | Per 90 minutes |
| Saves | 2.32 |
| Save percentage | 61.1% |
| Goals conceded | 1.47 |
| Goals prevented | -0.36 |
| Clean sheets | 0.16 |
| Errors that led to goals | 0.11 |
However, the goalkeeper has previously impressed in the second tier, as well as at Standard Liege last season during his brief loan spell to the Belgian Pro League.
Therefore, it remains to be seen if Bazunu can return to these heights at the Potters or if he will continue his struggles this season.