FC Bayern could really use a few extra million on the transfer market. Now, an unexpected deal might be in the works.
Nestory Irankunda continues to make headlines at the World Cup. The former Bayern pro has apparently earned a spot on the wish list of a Champions League participant thanks to his strong start to the tournament.
With his goal in Australia’s surprising 2-0 victory over Turkey, Irankunda was one of the big winners of the first day of World Cup action. The 20-year-old scored the opening goal for the Socceroos, drawing the attention of numerous scouts on the world’s biggest soccer stage.
According to several Spanish media outlets, Villarreal CF is actively pursuing the signing of the attacking player. Reports indicate that the Spanish first-division club is already preparing an offer in the range of around ten million euros.
Above all, Irankunda’s speed, dynamism, and versatility on offense are said to have impressed the officials at the Champions League participant. The Australian can play on either wing and is regarded as a player whose explosiveness makes him a constant threat.
The situation remains exciting for Bayern as well.
Irankunda transferred from Adelaide United to FC Bayern in the summer of 2024 and was considered one of Australia’s most promising offensive talents at the time. However, he failed to make his breakthrough in Munich.
After appearances for the reserve team and a loan stint, the youngster ultimately decided to make a permanent move to the English club Watford FC. There, he took the next step in his development. In his first season, he contributed four goals and five assists, thereby proving himself ready for bigger challenges.
The World Cup could now give his career an additional boost. Thanks to his strong start to the tournament, interest from other clubs has grown significantly.
Those at Säbener Straße are likely keeping a close eye on his progress as well. According to reports from England, Bayern secured certain rights for the future when they sold the Australian. Among other things, a buyback option is said to have been agreed upon.
Should Irankunda continue his strong performances at the World Cup and attract the attention of other top clubs, this clause could become particularly interesting for the Munich-based club. It is reportedly valued at around 4.5 to 5 million euros. Bayern could therefore buy Irankunda back for this amount and then resell him directly to Villarreal or another interested club for significantly more money—thereby raking in a profit in the millions.
Currently, there are no indications of concrete negotiations between Villarreal and Watford. In any case, Irankunda has seized his opportunity at the World Cup and put himself on the international stage. A move to the Champions League now seems much more realistic than it did just a few months ago. And Bayern might be in for an unexpected windfall.