Australia winger Nestory Irankunda left Bayern Munich to join Watford in the English Championship to resurrect his international career before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
British media reports that the 18-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Watford. Financial details of the transfer are unknown. Irankunda said leaving Bayern Munich was hard, but he needed regular playing time for the 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,” he stated.
“So I have to be playing minutes and I wasn’t playing (in Germany).”
Irankunda became an Australian newborn after being born in a Tanzanian refugee camp to Burundian parents. He scored in a World Cup qualifier against Palestine earlier this year, becoming the Socceroos’ second-youngest scorer.
Australia qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico with a win against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah last month.
About his new club, Irankunda lauded England’s second tier’s competitiveness.
“The Championship’s also a world-class league and competition,” stated.
The greatest thing for me was to leave.
“I’m excited and very happy with the opportunity I’ve been given and just ready to get started with the team.”
He also believed Watford would help him improve as a player.
“Hopefully this next move can develop him further, and whether that’s an immediate impact with us or not, it gives him a better chance of course,” said.
