Sporting CP have reportedly launched a €20 million (A$32.5m) move for Australian star Nestory Irankunda, with the Portuguese giants determined to beat a host of European clubs to the Socceroos forward’s signature.
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According to Portugese tabloids Record and A Bola, the Primeira Liga powerhouse has submitted an improved proposal worth €15 million upfront, plus a further €5 million in bonuses, as it attempts to prise the 20-year-old away from English Championship side Watford.
The bid comes after Sporting’s initial offer was rejected, with Watford also turning down a €10 million proposal from Championship rivals Hull City.
Watford signed Irankunda from Bayern Munich just 12 months ago for €4 million and now face a major decision over one of Australia’s brightest young talents.
Sporting are understood to be eager to complete a deal before rival interest intensifies, with Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, West Ham and Fiorentina all linked to the Australian.
A move would see Irankunda join one of Portugal’s traditional “Big Three” clubs and feature in the UEFA Champions League after Sporting secured qualification by finishing runners-up in the Primeira Liga last season.
The proposed move would mark another remarkable chapter in one of Australian football’s fastest-rising careers.
His performances at the FIFA World Cup elevated his reputation even further, but it was an outspoken American pundit’s comments before Australia’s tournament that have made his latest rise even sweeter.
Ahead of Australia’s clash with the United States, former US international and CBS pundit Mike Grella labelled the Socceroos the “weakest team in the group” before mocking Australian football and Irankunda.
“I look up what Australians are good at. I see cricket, I see rugby, maybe outback. I’m sure they’ve got some wild safaris out there.”
“I think their best player is Irankunda… Irankunda?”
“With all due respect, because I don’t like to talk badly about players, I’m actually a fan of Irankunda. We cover the Championship here at CBS.”
Irankunda saw the comments. He didn’t forget them.
“I did see it,” Irankunda said.
“But at the end of the day, you’ve got to let these people talk – and it was the same with these lot (Turkiye) here. They came, they did their talking, but they couldn’t back it on the field, and we got the win.
“People can talk all they want – but if they’re not going to put a performance out there on the pitch, then there’s no point in talking.”
Grella wasn’t finished there.
After the United States defeated Australia 2-0 in the group stage, he again took aim at both the Socceroos and Irankunda.
“This is the United States of America over here,” Grella said.
“This is a special place with big characters, with big personality. This is a place that demands respect.
“At the end of the day, I think you see, everybody wants to compete.
“In the end, the football spoke 2-0, thank you very much.
“And Irankunda, what’s the celebration? Irankunda like this?
“And he goes like this, right? And that’s what they got, two of them. Bomb. Bomb. Two zero. Goodbye. See you 9,000 miles, 9,400 miles.
“You can think about the game today.”
Now, the Socceroos star appears set to have the ultimate response.
While Grella questioned Australia’s football credentials from the studio, Irankunda is on the verge of joining one of Europe’s most historic clubs and earning the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League football, a stage Grella never reached during his own professional career.
TOP 10 AUSTRALIAN TRANSFERS
1. Harry Souttar to Leicester City – €17m
2. Harry Kewell to Liverpool – €10m
3. Mark Viduka to Leeds United – €9.15m
4. Aaron Mooy to Huddersfield Town – €9.10m
5. Cristian Volpato to Sassuolo – €7.5m
6. Jordan Bos to Feyenoord – €7m
7. Mathew Ryan to Valencia – €7m
8. Mark Bresciano to Parma – €7m
9. Mark Viduka to Middlesbrough – €6.75m
10. Mathew Ryan to Brighton – €6m
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