Socceroos attacker Nestory Irankunda is reportedly close to a permanent transfer to Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon, a move that could make the 20-year-old the most expensive Australian football player in history. Sporting Lisbon, a club that previously launched the career of Cristiano Ronaldo, finished second in last season's Primeira Liga and has qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
Reports from Portugal indicate that the deal, which includes add-ons, could see Watford, Irankunda's current English Championship club, receive a total of €22 million (approximately $A35 million). This potential fee would surpass the €17 million ($A27 million) transfer of Socceroos teammate Harry Souttar to Leicester City in 2023, which previously held the record for the most expensive Australian player transfer.
Irankunda recently made his World Cup debut, scoring in Australia's 2-0 group stage win against Turkey. He played in 40 Championship games for Watford last season, starting 22 of them, and contributed four goals and five assists.
This potential move to Sporting Lisbon would mark Irankunda's third permanent transfer in as many years. He initially moved from Adelaide United to Bayern Munich two years ago, followed by a loan spell at Grasshopper Zurich before his transfer to Watford prior to the last season.