Nestory Irankunda has expressed that his departure from Bayern Munich was a challenging decision, yet one that he believes will enhance his chances of being included in the Socceroos’ squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 19-year-old winger joined Bayern in 2023 but was loaned to Swiss club Grasshoppers for the latter part of the 2024-25 season. Now, he is making a permanent move to Watford FC in the English Championship, after the club reached a transfer agreement with Bayern. The deal includes various clauses that may allow Bayern to reacquire him should he excel in England.
Irankunda landed in London on Wednesday and shared that his aspiration to represent the Socceroos again motivated this transition. He highlighted the World Cup is fast approaching, saying, “I have to be playing minutes, and I wasn’t playing at all while I was there,” referring to his time at Bayern. Despite being a tough choice, he views playing in the Championship as a long-held dream.
Looking back on his stint with Bayern, Irankunda expressed gratitude for the experience of training alongside world-class talent. He noted that being able to train with top players, such as Harry Kane, was an invaluable opportunity for someone from Australia, where elite football talents are rarer.
Irankunda also shared his determination to impress fans at Watford, aiming to be a dynamic force on the pitch known for his speed and crossing ability. He’s excited about this new chapter in his career and feels prepared to make an impact on his new team.