Former A-League prodigy Nestory Irankunda set to move to English club Watford

Nestory Irankunda is on the move as the Socceroos’ road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is piling up with solid opponents for Australia.

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has rejected suggestions he doesn’t “like” Nestory Irankunda and hopes the former A-League prodigy’s expected move to English Championship club Watford propels him towards 2026 FIFA World Cup selection.

Teenage sensation Irankunda, who joined German giants Bayern Munich last year before finishing the 2024-25 season on loan to Swiss club Grasshoppers, is reportedly set to sign with Watford for a transfer fee worth four million euros ($A7.13 million) as well as sell-on and buy-back clauses in Bayern’s favour.

“I’m sure they’ve done their due diligence in terms of where he would fit in that squad and what plans they have with him as a young player, and hopefully that will help him grow and take his game to another level so he keeps progressing his game,” Popovic said.

“The World Cup’s 12 months away, so it’s exciting news.”

FIFA World Cup hopeful Nestory Irankunda is set to join English Championship club Watford. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Attacking weapon Irankunda was part of Popovic’s first Socceroos squad in October last year but has since been overlooked for selection in Australia’s squads for the November, March and June international windows.

“The impression people sometimes have from the outside, which I totally understand, is that if a player doesn’t get called up, that equates to you not liking the player – it’s far from that,” Popovic said.

“We can only pick 23 to 26 players. We monitor all those boys, and we are delighted when they play well, and we can give you a summary on every single game that he (Irankunda) has played, and that’s not just him, it’s all the boys.

“We like all the boys that are involved in our group. We monitor them, we try to advise them, we want to see them grow and improve, and it’s not just for now, it’s also for the future.”

Popovic said Irankunda’s move to Watford would further round his game, but he also warned the 19-year-old winger that he needed more than “talent” to succeed in European football.

“It will be different for him (in England) than what he just experienced in Switzerland. The game is a lot slower in Switzerland … so the level would go up in terms of quality, also intensity, also needing to back up after every three days at that same intensity, but he’s a confident young man,” the Socceroos coach said.

“He’s had an experience going to Bayern Munich and seeing what that’s like training with the first team. He got some games at Grasshoppers, which is good … and now he goes somewhere where it’s completely different again.

“That can only improve his overall game, so for us involved with the Socceroos, looking to now and into the future, they are very positive signs … but talent’s not enough. It’s never been enough and never will be enough.

“The talent got him there, so that’s wonderful, and now hopefully this next move can develop him further. Whether that’s an immediate impact with us or not, it gives him a better chance, of course.”

Tony Popovic is pleased about Nestory Irankunda’s expected move to Watford. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

A good start in England could lead to Irankunda being recalled for the Socceroos friendly matches in September against New Zealand in Canberra and Auckland.

The Socceroos have also added to their October schedule.

With a game against Canada in Montreal on October 11 (AEST) having been announced earlier this month, the Socceroos will now also meet the United States on October 15 (AEST) in Colorado.

Popovic was delighted his team would have the chance to play in two of three nations hosting next year’s World Cup.

“We can learn a lot from the conditions, logistically try to make our life easier when we’re there and how we travel, and we’re going to play a game in the altitude as well, just to see what that’s like,” Popovic said.

“We’re trying to test ourselves as much as we can, and we’ve picked two opponents, host nations that are very keen to do well in their home World Cup. It will be a great test.”

The Socceroos will play the USA in October. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images