UPDATE: Nestory Irankunda’s potential transfer to Watford has just received strong support from Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, who emphasizes that the 19-year-old’s talent will not be enough to guarantee his success. As the Australian prodigy nears his exit from Bayern Munich after just one year, Popovic’s message is clear: “Talent’s not enough. It’s never been enough, and it never will be enough.”
Reports indicate that Irankunda has reached an agreement on a four-year contract with English Championship club Watford, who are prepared to pay a transfer fee of $5.3 million (€3 million) to Bayern Munich. This move marks a significant shift for the young forward, who has yet to feature in a competitive match for Bayern.
Despite spending the early part of the 2024-25 season with Bayern’s reserves and a mixed loan spell at Swiss club Grasshoppers, Irankunda’s transition to Watford could serve as a crucial stepping stone toward his aspirations of rejoining the national team ahead of next year’s World Cup.
While Bayern Munich appears ready to part ways with Irankunda, they have structured the deal to include a 50% sell-on fee and a buy-back clause, indicating ongoing interest in his development. Popovic expressed optimism about the potential for Irankunda’s success in England, stating, “Hopefully, that will help him grow and take his game to another level.”
Watford, a club that last played in the Premier League three years ago, has been striving for stability in the Championship. Meanwhile, former club Adelaide United stands to gain 10% of the profit from the transfer, amounting to approximately $400,000, a financial boost that underscores the young star’s promising career trajectory.
On Tuesday, Popovic remarked, “If it’s not done yet, hopefully that’s something that comes through for Nestory.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, especially the differences between the Championship and the Swiss leagues, noting, “The game’s a lot slower in Switzerland. The level will go up in terms of quality, intensity.”
Despite being named in a UEFA Champions League squad, Irankunda has only made one appearance for the Socceroos under Popovic, leading to speculation about his status. Popovic clarified, “We monitor all those boys, and we are delighted when they play well.” He highlighted the importance of getting players like Irankunda the right experiences to foster their growth.
Popovic’s insights into Irankunda’s potential echo his past experiences with other talented players, reminding fans that discipline and maturity are vital for success at elite levels. He reflected on his days coaching a young Wilfried Zaha, emphasizing the importance of understanding a player’s background to nurture their talent.
As Irankunda prepares for what could be a transformative move to Watford, all eyes will be on his progress. The countdown to the World Cup is on, and the spotlight is firmly on this Australian star as he aims to prove that he is ready to shine on the international stage.
