Everton and Crystal Palace Among Clubs Monitoring Watford Star Irankunda

Widely regarded as the "Golden Boy" of Australian football, Nestory Irankunda, who captured global attention by moving from Bayern Munich to Watford in the summer of 2025, has emerged as one of the most coveted "young talent" profiles for the Summer 2026 transfer window. 

Showcasing explosive pace over "Vicarage Road" and tearing up the Championship, the 20-year-old star has elite clubs already knocking on Watford's door.

The Explosion in the Championship

Recording 41 official appearances for Watford during the 2025-2026 season so far, Irankunda has contributed 4 goals and 5 assists. 

His transition into a freer attacking role, operating as a second striker or a roaming winger, has pushed his performance to its peak. 

A critical goal against Charlton in early April, followed by a clinical brace for the Australian National Team against Curaçao, has seen his market value skyrocket at an incredible pace.

Interested Clubs

The youngster’s versatile playing style and high physical capacity make him an attractive target for both the Premier League and Europe’s other major divisions. 

Both Everton and Crystal Palace, who are in dire need of pace and 1v1 ability in their wing rotations, are monitoring the player closely. 

Rumours suggest these Premier League sides want to secure Irankunda at a reasonable price before he hits the 2026 World Cup shop window.

Additionally, Fiorentina scouts have tracked the player from the stands during his last five matches. The "Viola" aim to blend Irankunda’s raw physical power with the tactical structure of Serie A.

Still highly popular in the German market due to his Bayern Munich past, leaked information indicates that Leverkusen has initiated a "scouting process" and added him to their extensive transfer shortlist.

Wonderkid Othmane Maamma is also attracting growing interest from Premier League clubs, with the Hornets now facing the real possibility of losing two of their most exciting young talents in the same summer window.

The Bayern Munich Factor

It must not be forgotten that the "buy-back clause" and the 50% sell-on fee that Bayern Munich inserted into the contract when sending him to Watford remain the biggest keys to this transfer. 

The Bavarian giants could exercise their right to buy him back only to loan him elsewhere or secure a massive windfall from a direct sale.

Watford’s Strategy: To Sell or to Hold?

Under the management of Gino Pozzo, Watford is navigating a challenging financial period. 

The club’s latest financial reports indicate a dire need for a significant player sale to ensure operational sustainability.

Although the club presents the player as the "centerpiece of their promotion ambition," the failure to realise the Premier League dream again this season may force them to monetize Irankunda.

Watford is expected to open negotiations in the €20 million bracket. Due to Bayern’s 50% cut, the club will attempt to keep the figure high to ensure a substantial net profit.