Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes were slashed on Monday evening, as they suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Ipswich Town.
Russell Martin‘s side now lie 12 points adrift of Leeds United, who occupy second place, admittedly having played two more games.
Over the Easter weekend, Southampton took one point from a possible six and it was ultimately a series of defensive errors that cost them.
Gavin Bazunu, in particular, has been suspect in between the sticks and was at fault for Ipswich’s opener, conceding a shot at his near post.
The 2002-born shot-stopper just simply hasn’t been up to standard this term and one worrying stat emerged this week confirming that notion.
For now, Martin should consider starting Joe Lumley in his place, but there’s little doubt that they need a more long-term option.
With that said, here are three Bazunu upgrades the club should target in the summer transfer window.
Anthony Patterson
The Sunderland shot-stopper Anthony Patterson has been linked with moves to the Premier League in the past.
The ‘unbelievable’ 23-year-old would fit Martin’s system like a glove, as he’s comfortable on the ball, as well as with his hands.
Liverpool have targetted Patterson previously, which evinces just how highly rated he is not just around the Championship, but also in the top-flight.
So if Saints are to have any chance of landing his signature, they’ll probably need to gain promotion this term.
Viktor Johansson
Viktor Johansson is a slightly different profile to Patterson, as he excels at shot-stopping more so than in his distribution.
By no means is he poor at playing out from the back but naturally it’s a lesser part of his game due to Rotherham’s style of play.
The Yorkshire outfit look set to suffer relegation to League One this season, so he’ll likely become available at a decent price.
Arijanet Muric
Burnley’s second-choice shot-stopper Arjianet Muric would be a realistic option to replace Bazunu for the South Coasters in the summer.
Muric was exceptional during The Clarets’ promotion-winning campaign last year but has since found himself as the second-choice option behind £19m signing James Trafford, who made the senior England squad last month.
With a Transfermarkt value of £6m, Saints should definitely consider launching a proposal for his services.
Though, perhaps if Burnley drop to the Championship, they’ll be desperate to keep ahold of him, with Trafford potentially departing.
A lot will indeed depend on what division Southampton end up in.