Sporting CP moves to sign Australian winger Nestory Irankunda

Portuguese champions Sporting CP have opened negotiations to acquire 20‑year‑old Australian international Nestory Irankunda from English Championship side Watford. The player, valued at around €15 million, is seen as a versatile attacker capable of playing on either wing, as a number 10 or as a second striker, fitting the club’s tactical needs.

Watford have rejected a £10 million offer from Hull City and are prepared to fight to retain Irankunda, who impressed in his debut season with four goals and five assists in 40 league appearances. Irankunda, born in Tanzania and previously on Bayern Munich’s youth roster, rose to prominence by becoming the youngest Socceroo to score at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Australia reached the round of 32.