Irankunda to join Sporting, official announcement date set | OneFootball

Nestory Irankunda’s transfer to Sporting is complete, with the Australian winger expected to arrive in Lisbon at the start of next week. The 20-year-old player is set to undergo the usual medical examinations before signing a five-season contract with the Lions.

The deal was finalized for a fixed fee of €15 million, a figure that could rise by a further €3 million if certain targets are met. Despite Watford’s intention to spark a bidding war among interested clubs, Sporting ultimately submitted the only concrete offer.

Before traveling to Portugal, Irankunda will still have one last opportunity to say goodbye to the Watford fans. The winger is not among the options for the match against Crawley Town in the League Cup, but he is expected to be at Vicarage Road to thank supporters for the backing he received throughout last season, in a departure intended to preserve the good relationship built with the English club.

At Sporting, the Australian faces an intense adaptation period, as he only began working in Watford’s pre-season on July 25 and has taken part only in the friendly against Brentford. With his preparation behind that of the other Sporting players, he will have to quickly absorb Rui Borges’ methods, although the winger’s characteristics may make that process easier.

His speed and finishing ability fit the more vertical and athletic style of play that Rui Borges is implementing at Alvalade. His integration is expected to happen through competition, with Irankunda battling for a place with Flávio Gonçalves, Jesse Derry and Issa Doumbia.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.