Did Watford Just Secure Nestory Irankunda on a Five-Year Deal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Watford signs Nestory Irankunda on a five-year deal.
- Irankunda has a remarkable history from Adelaide United.
- He was named A-League’s Young Player of the Year.
- The young forward clocked a speed of 37.02 km/h during a match.
- Watford's season opener is on August 9 against Charlton Athletic.
Watford, July 19 (NationPress) - Watford has finalized the acquisition of Australian forward Nestory Irankunda from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Irankunda made a significant impact while at Adelaide United during the 2021/22 season, debuting and scoring his first goal directly from a free-kick at the tender age of 15.
Over a three-year period, he accumulated 61 appearances for the club, netting 16 goals and earning the A-League’s Young Player of the Year award at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
His accolades also include the Rising Star award from Adelaide and a spot in the A-League’s all-star squad for a match against Barcelona.
Demonstrating his exceptional speed, Irankunda made headlines during a match against Central Coast Mariners in October 2023, recording a remarkable speed of 37.02 km/h.
Recognized as one of goal.com’s ‘top 50 wonderkids’ in March last year, Irankunda started the 2024/25 season with Bayern, where he trained with Vincent Kompany’s first team and toured South Korea.
He was an unused substitute in two matches, including a UEFA Champions League encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk last December.
Irankunda played 15 matches for the German club’s second team, scoring four goals before embarking on a loan to Grasshopper Club Zurich for top-flight experience.
This loan proved beneficial, with the teenager participating in 19 matches for the Swiss Super League team, scoring once.
On the international stage, Irankunda has represented Australia five times, with his first goal coming in a World Cup qualifier against Palestine in June 2024.
As they prepare for their new Championship season, Watford will begin on August 9 with an away game against newly promoted Charlton Athletic.