Bayern Munich are set to sign Australian teenage football prodigy Nestory Irankunda in a record transfer deal worth almost $6 million
- Young talent is only 17
- Plays for Adelaide United
- Ready to crack the big time early
Bayern Munich are on the verge of securing the signing of young attacking wonderkid Nestory Irankunda from Adelaide United in the A-League, in a deal that will break the current Australian domestic league transfer record.
ESPN has confirmed that the transfer of Irankunda to the Bavarian superpower is almost complete.
The only major hurdle remaining is FIFA rules, which ban the winger from making the move to Europe until he reaches the age of 18 in February.
The reported transfer fee for Irannunda is AUD $5.76 million, including various fees.
This amount easily surpasses the A-League record, which was set earlier this year when Marco Tilio moved from Melbourne City to Celtic in a deal worth almost AUD$2.9 million.
Adelaide United’s A-League star Nestory Irankunda is set to make the move to international powerhouse Bayern Munich
Irannunda impresses despite being only 17. He will move to Bayern Munich when he turns 18
Irankunda, originally from Tanzania and raised in Australia after his Burundian parents fled civil war in their home country, had attracted the attention of several top European clubs, including Liverpool, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Known for his powerful right foot and an extraordinary ability to find the top corner from the tightest of angles, Irankunda made a name for himself in the A-League at just 15 years old.
His recent highlight includes a spectacular free-kick for Adelaide United in their 6-0 win over Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium.
Adelaide teammate Ryan Tunnicliffe has seen Irankunda’s magic boot time and time again and believes he has what it takes to become one of the best players in the world.
‘I think he has a very good chance of becoming a top player. He has all the athleticism you need to be a top player,” he said.
‘He’s got the natural ability, the one-on-one skills of a striker, so I think if he gets the mental side of it right, listens to the older guys in the team and keeps his feet on the ground, I think that the world is his oyster.
‘It is up to us as a group to keep him grounded and let him play freely.’
Irankunda still needs to work on elements of his game and is currently serving a suspension for two yellow cards in a match
Adelaide United coach Carl Veart believes the rest of the A-League season will be good for Irannunda before he makes his big move
Irankunda is currently serving a ban in the A-League Men’s Competition following his red card in Adelaide United’s 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory, where he received his second yellow card for dissent.
Adelaide United coach Carl Veart acknowledged Irankunda’s learning curve both on and off the pitch, saying: “He’s still learning the game and there’s a lot for him to learn, not just what happens on the pitch but also what happens off the field. ‘
“In a way, it could be a blessing for him to have some peace after all.” He almost got rest, and it was just more forced than us giving him rest.”