Nestory Irankunda’s move to Bayern Munich was a long time in the making. Bayern were only allowed to sign the Australian once he turned 18, yet the club was already heavily linked to a permanent move for the player 18 months before said birthday and announced the signing 8 months in advance of Irankunda’s arrival. It is impossible to understate the hype around this transfer, especially after highlight reels of the now former Adelaide United player’s incredible ball striking and searing pace became
popular on the internet.
But his Bavarian adventure looks like it is over after 12 months.
After an underwhelming six months with the U-23s in the Regionalliga, openly dismissing the idea of spending more time with the U-23s, then another underwhelming six months out on loan at Swiss League side Grasshopper Zürich (scoring just one goal there, the fifth goal in a 5-0 win), the Australian may be leaving permanently. Sky Sport reporter Luca Bendoni, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, claims that English club Watford are looking to sign him permanently:
Watford have submitted a bid to buy Nestory Irankunda permanently. Bid in the region of €3m with a 50% sell-on clause for Bayern. It also includes clauses that would allow Watford to buy further percentages of his rights and a buy-back clause for Bayern. The player has given his preference to Watford, and parties are confident to seal the move on a permanent deal soon.
The €3m fee would be, at least, a big step up from the ~€1m the Bavarians paid to sign him from Adelaide. However, perhaps the Bavarians would have expected more. As for Watford, the notoriously volatile club has languished in mid table in the Championship for a few years now, but it used to play some season in the Premier League as recently as 2022. Perhaps Irankunda can inspire them to reach their former heights.
Fabrizio Romano reports this as well, claiming the fee is up to €4 million:
More on Nestory Irankunda and Watford exclusive story: agreement done with Bayern for permanent move!
Irankunda will cost €4m fee, 50% sell-on clause and buy back clause for FC Bayern.
Nestory said yes to Watford and he will sign four year deal.
BFW Analysis
This one is difficult. It rather seems as if both Bayern and Irankunda believed he was farther along in his development than he truly was and that he was fairly close to breaking into the first team when the signing was made. This past year, however, have exposed some massive flaws in the Australian’s game. He relies far too much on his speed, strength and searing shot power and so his other skills have suffered.
Following this underwhelming year, Bayern could not possibly try to integrate him into the team. But how much would another loan benefit Irankunda? Given all of that, perhaps selling Irankunda with a massive sell on percentage and a buy back clause is the best case scenario for the Bavarians. Perhaps. Though Bayern, all the club’s fans and Irankunda will likely all readily admit that they expected a lot more from this transfer. Though, considering the buy back clause, his story in Munich may not be done just yet.
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