Nestory Irankunda: Sporting Lisbon linked with move for Watford’s Australia winger

Australia winger Nestory Irankunda of Watford is being linked with a move to Portuguese side Sporting, with the Liga Portugal club monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation at Vicarage Road.

Irankunda, who was born in Kigoma and also has Tanzanian nationality, is under contract with Watford until 30 June 2030, meaning Sporting would have to pay a significant fee to persuade the Championship club to sell. His current valuation stands at around €8m, and Watford are expected to use the length of his deal as leverage in any negotiations.

The right winger joined Watford from FC Bayern II on 18 July 2025 for a reported €3m and has since built his reputation in the Championship, where he has made 40 appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists. He further enhanced his profile at the 2026 World Cup, playing in all four of his country’s matches and scoring once.

Irankunda first emerged with Adelaide United in the A-League Men, registering 16 goals and eight assists in 55 league games before his move to Europe. He later spent time with Swiss club Grasshoppers on loan from Bayern, gaining additional first-team experience in the Super League.

Watford regard Irankunda as a key attacking option on the right and, with four years remaining on his contract, are under no pressure to sell as Sporting weigh up whether to formalise their interest.