Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Nestory Irankunda could become Australia’s most expensive footballer after Sporting CP reportedly submitted a €20 million offer to English Championship club Watford on July 22. The move could take the 20-year-old Australian forward into the UEFA Champions League and break the national transfer record.
Portuguese reports say Sporting CP offered €15 million upfront plus €5 million in bonuses. Watford reportedly rejected an earlier Sporting CP proposal and a €10 million Hull City bid after signing Nestory Irankunda from Bayern Munich for €4 million last year.
The transfer story follows a dramatic tournament covered in 2038 World Cup: Why FIFA Could Bring Tournament Back to United States.
Sporting CP push for early deal
Sporting CP are seeking to complete the transfer before interest grows from Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, West Ham United and Fiorentina. Sporting CP finished second in the Primeira Liga last season to secure European qualification.
The official UEFA Champions League page lists Sporting CP in the 2026-27 competition. That stage would give Nestory Irankunda exposure against top European clubs following his strong FIFA World Cup campaign.
Australian record within reach
Harry Souttar’s €17 million move to Leicester City currently leads the list of Australian transfers. Sporting CP’s guaranteed payment would fall short, but the full package would place Nestory Irankunda €3 million above that mark.
The reported interest follows criticism from former United States international Mike Grella before Australia’s World Cup campaign. “I think their best player is Irankunda... Irankunda?” Mike Grella said while questioning Australia’s football credentials.
Nestory Irankunda later responded after Australia defeated Turkiye. “But at the end of the day, you’ve got to let these people talk – and it was the same with these lot (Turkiye) here. They came, they did their talking, but they couldn’t back it on the field, and we got the win.”
“People can talk all they want – but if they’re not going to put a performance out there on the pitch, then there’s no point in talking.”
The United States later defeated Australia 2-0, but Nestory Irankunda’s World Cup displays strengthened his standing across Europe. Watford must now decide whether to accept a package worth five times the fee paid to Bayern Munich.