Key Takeaways:
- Nestory Irankunda has completed his move to Sporting CP in a deal that could reach €22 million, including bonuses
- The transfer package could make Irankunda the most expensive Australian footballer in history, surpassing Harry Souttar’s €17 million move to Leicester
- Irankunda scored in Australia’s 2-0 World Cup group stage win over Turkey
- Last season, he made 40 Championship appearances for Watford, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists
Irankunda Completes Sporting CP Move
Nestory Irankunda has completed his transfer to Sporting CP, with the Portuguese club securing one of Australia’s most exciting young forwards. The deal for the 20-year-old could reach €22 million including bonuses, with Watford set to receive the full amount if the agreed add-ons are triggered.
🚨🇦🇺 Nestory Irankunda is officially a Sporting CP player!
One of Australia’s brightest young talents has secured a huge move to the Portuguese giants, with Sporting reportedly agreeing to a deal worth around €17M + 5M in bonuses.
This is another massive step in Irankunda’s… pic.twitter.com/MHiyfmd4Iy
— Australian Football News (@AUSFUTNews) July 21, 2026
That figure would place Irankunda at the top of Australian football’s transfer list. The current benchmark is Harry Souttar’s €17 million move from Stoke City to Leicester in 2023, but Irankunda’s Sporting package has the potential to move beyond that mark.
World Cup Goal Raised His Profile
Irankunda’s move follows a strong rise in profile at international level. He scored in Australia’s 2-0 group stage victory over Turkey at the World Cup, adding another major moment to a breakthrough period for both club and country.
Watford Season Before the Move
Before joining Sporting CP, Irankunda played regularly for Watford in the Championship. He made 40 league appearances last season, including 22 starts, and finished the campaign with 4 goals and 5 assists.
