Irankunda set to realise European dream following $29.5 million move

Nestory Irankunda is officially on the move once again, having signed with Portuguese giants Sporting CP.

After joining English Championship (second tier) side Watford at the start of the 2025/26 season, where he managed four goals and five assists in 42 appearances, the pacey winger has signed a five-year contract with the 21-time Primeira Liga champions for a reported fee of 15 million Euros ($24.5 million AUD), which could rise up to 18 million Euros based on add-ons.

The club, based in Lisbon, also confirmed that the 20-year-old has a release clause in his contract worth 80 million Euros ($130.7 million AUD), which would shatter the recently broken transfer record for an Australian player should it be triggered.

With this move, it sees the possibility of the Australian playing in the UEFA Champions League, which would see him accomplish a childhood dream of his.

"It's a moment of great happiness and pride,” he told the club in their announcement.

“I'm very excited. Any child or person who loves football dreams of playing in the UEFA Champions League. Having this opportunity will be fantastic and a dream come true."

Sporting Lisbon has been the home to some of Portugal’s greats including Bruno Fernandes, Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.

And Irankunda has already declared his desire to be a part of the club’s history by wanting to claim silverware in his first season.

"I came here to win titles and to play for great fans. I want to make history, and there's no better place to do it than Sporting CP. I'm very happy to be here, and I hope to win trophies this season," he said.

Sporting CP currently sit 2nd in Primeira Liga, having drawn and won their first two games.

Their next match takes place next Sunday morning (AEST) against Alverca.