Former A-League star Nestory Irankunda signs five-year deal with Watford

Watford believe new signing Nestory Irankunda can be a ‘very special player’ for the English Championship club.

Nestory Irankunda’s move from Bayern Munich to Watford has been confirmed, with the former A-League prodigy signing a five-year deal with the English Championship club.

Having spent the second half of last season on loan to Swiss club Grashoppers, Irankunda has now made a permanent move away from Germany after the Bundesliga champions and the Hornets agreed to the sale for a fee reportedly worth more than $5 million.

We are delighted to confirm the arrival of exciting forward Nestory Irankunda on a long-term permanent deal from Bayern Munich.

Thrilled to have you with us, Nestory! 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/49Gx3svI8D

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 18, 2025

“Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here with us,” Watford sporting director Gianluca Nani said of the 19-year-old winger.

“Nestory was extremely sought-after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential.

“Crucially, we were able to move quickly when opportunities like this arise and that’s been the hallmark of our successful recruitment.

“The player wanted to come here as he sees the pathway. He has seen how we develop young players at Watford and the vision we have for this club.

“We are absolutely delighted to have signed Nestory and he’s added further to the huge feel-good factor around the training ground.”

Wholesome reaction 🥹

Behind-the-scenes out tomorrow 9am. pic.twitter.com/ftIdlVsWwe

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 18, 2025

Earlier in the week when Irankunda arrived in England for his medical with the club, he told Sky Sports he wanted to move to Watford to increase his hopes of playing for the Socceroos at next year’s FIFA World Cup.

“It was a very hard decision (to leave Bayern Munich) but for me, my biggest goal is to play in a World Cup and the 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, so I have to be playing minutes and I wasn’t playing (in Germany),” the former Adelaide United star said.

“The best thing for me was to go somewhere else. I’m excited and very happy with the opportunity I’ve been given and just ready to get started with the team.”