Socceroos star Nestori Iracunda is reportedly on the verge of a high-profile transfer to Champions League quarter-finalists Sporting Lisbon.
Watford striker Irakunda’s asking price has skyrocketed following his impressive performances at the World Cup, including Australia’s first goal in the 2-0 demolition of Turkey.
Nestorius Irakunda celebrates his goal. AP
The goal made the 20-year-old Adelaide prodigy the youngest Australian to score at a World Cup.
Many media outlets in Portugal have linked Irancunda to Sporting, the famous club where Cristiano Ronaldo began his illustrious career.
Leonino Market Watford reportedly agreed to a deal worth around $28 million, including bonuses.
AND Record It was later reported that Sporting offered Watford an offer of $24.4 million plus extras totaling $32.5 million.
Sporting have yet to comment, but if true, the deal could put Iracunda ahead of Harry Souttar as the most expensive Australian footballer of all time.
World Cup captain Souttar set a record by moving from Stoke City to Leicester City in 2023.
“Great news. Champions League football is vital for all Australian footballers to play at the highest level,” former football captain Craig Foster wrote on social media.
“The opportunity given to the next generation to play at the World Cup has paid and will continue to pay dividends for all of them. Also a legendary Portuguese club with a significant tradition of wingers. Ronaldo, Figo, Nani and others. Well done Nestori. We look forward to seeing you in the Champions League this season.”
Last season, Sporting lost on aggregate to Premier League champions Arsenal in the European quarter-finals.
Portuguese outlet Record Sporting – 21-time domestic champions – reportedly see Irankunda as attractive on many fronts.
“Sporting believe they can acquire the asset not only to increase his value, but also to fit what they were looking for in the market: a player who can operate on both flanks, but also in more central positions as a number 10 or second striker,” the report said.
Nestory Irakunda grew up playing in Adelaide and now plays for Watford in the FA League Championship. Canadian Press
Irankunda has also been closely linked with newly promoted Premier League side Hull City, as well as other teams in England and Italy.
“I see myself playing at the top level soon, whether it’s now or next season,” Iracunda told reporters after the World Cup.
“In my opinion, sooner or later it will happen. I believe in myself that one day I can reach this level. Time will tell.”
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