Irankunda on verge of record deal with club that made Ronaldo

Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda is reportedly on the verge of a blockbuster transfer move to Champions League quarter-finalists Sporting Lisbon.

Watford striker Irankunda’s asking price skyrocketed after his eye-catching performances at the World Cup, including Australia’s opening goal in the 2-0 upset of Türkiye.

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That goal made the 20-year-old Adelaide prodigy the youngest Australian man to score at a World Cup.

Multiple outlets in Portugal have linked Irankunda to Sporting, the famous club at which Cristiano Ronaldo launched his glittering career.

Mercado Leonino reported Watford had agreed to a deal worth around $28 million, including bonuses.

And Record later reported that Sporting had presented Watford with an offer of $24.4m plus add-ons, totalling $32.5m.

Sporting are yet to comment but if accurate, the deal could place Irankunda above Harry Souttar as the most expensive Austrlalian footballer of all-time.

World Cup captain Souttar set the record when he moved from Stoke City to Leicester City in 2023.

“Outstanding news. Champions League football is vitally important for all Australian Socceroos to play at the highest level,” ex-Socceroos captain Craig Foster wrote on social media.

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“The opportunity provided to the next gen to play in the World Cup has, and will pay dividends for them all. Also a legendary Portuguese club with a significant tradition of wingers. Ronaldo, Figo, Nani et al. Well done to Nestory. Looking forward to seeing you in the Champions League this season.”

Sporting lost 1-0 on aggregate to Premier League champions Arsenal in the European quarter-finals last season.

Portuguese outlet Record reported Sporting - 21-time domestic league winners - saw Irankunda as attractive on multiple fronts.

“(Sporting) believe they can acquire an asset not only to increase its value, but also one that fits what they were looking for in the market: a player who can operate on both wings, but also in more central positions as a number 10 or as a second striker,” the report said.

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Irankunda had also been strongly linked to newly promoted Premier League club Hull City, as well as other teams in England and Italy.

“I see myself playing at a top level soon, whether that’s now or next season,” Irankunda told reporters after the World Cup.

“It will happen eventually in my opinion. I have that belief in myself that I can get to that level one day. Time will tell.”

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