Nestory Irankunda has officially finalized a significant transfer to Portuguese club Sporting, a move reportedly worth around $26 million and potentially rising to $29.5 million with add-ons. The 20-year-old Australian celebrated the career-defining transfer by starring in a Michael Jackson-themed dance routine video released by the club.
Sporting announced the signing from English Championship club Watford on Saturday. The deal includes a substantial release clause of $130 million. This transfer follows a week that saw fellow Australian teen defender Lucas Herrington become the most expensive Australian footballer ever with his reported $33 million move to the Premier League's Hull City.
The innovative welcome video for Irankunda, set to Michael Jackson's "Bad," featured the player stepping out of a sports car and performing his signature celebration before donning Sporting's iconic green-and-white jersey. The video quickly garnered attention from fans and media, with many praising the unique reveal.
Irankunda expressed his excitement about joining Sporting, a club with 21 league titles and a history that includes nurturing talent like Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-year contract runs through 2031. Irankunda stated that playing in the UEFA Champions League is a dream come true and that he was drawn to Sporting's project, history, and passionate fanbase.
Negotiations for the transfer were reportedly complex due to Bayern Munich, who previously sold Irankunda to Watford, being entitled to a share of the sell-on fee, estimated to be nearly $10 million. Irankunda, who scored four goals in an up-and-down spell at Watford, is eager to compete for titles and make history with Sporting, who have already begun their season with a win.
Australian players have seen increased demand since the Socceroos' performance in reaching the last-32 of the World Cup.