West Ham facing new Crystal Palace threat in Watford transfer race | OneFootball

Nestory Irankunda is currently competing with Australia at the World Cup

Nestory Irankunda’s future at Watford is likely to be the subject of speculation in the transfer window.

The 20-year-old is currently in North America competing in the World Cup with Australia, where he is receiving plaudits for his performances.

While the Socceroos lost in their second game against hosts the United States, a 2-0 win against Turkiye has given them a chance at reaching the second round.

It was the Watford player who gave his country the lead in a crucial game that opened their campaign.

Irankunda signed for the Hornets in 2025 from Bayern Munich after being unable to break into their first team squad from underage level.

But the winger has gone from strength to strength in his first season at Vicarage Road, which led to West Ham being linked with a move for the player.

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Former football scout Mick Brown has claimed that Crystal Palace have been sending scouts to watch Irankunda following his impressive performances.

He believes that the Eagles could enter the race for his signature this summer, although he has warned the London outfit against being convinced purely from his performances in the World Cup.

The South London club are, of course, well-versed in recruiting from the Championship, having previously pinched future superstars in Ebere Eze and Michael Olise out of the second-tier.

"Crystal Palace want to upgrade their squad and they are always keen to look in the Championship," said Brown, via Football Insider.

"Somebody like Irankunda, playing for Watford, it's not a million miles away from Palace so I have no doubt they will have had scouts keeping an eye on him.

"They'll want to know chapter and verse about him before making a move, the pros and the cons, what's he like as a character, how he behaves on and off the pitch.

"He's already impressed at the World Cup, but that can't be what they base their decision off of, one or two good performances.

"I would always warn clubs against making moves for players just based on the fact they've had a World Cup, when they're bound to be performing at their best level.

"They have to have done their due diligence, and from what I know about Palace and the way they operate, I have no doubt they will have put the work in.

"So Palace will know plenty about Irankunda, and if they feel he is ready, then they can make a move.

“I'm not convinced he is, though, so in that case they will keep watching until he's ready."

Irankunda contributed four goals and four assists in the Championship last season, helping Watford earn a 16th place finish in the table.

The 20-year-old has a contract with the Hornets until June 2030, giving them a strong negotiating position in any transfer talks this summer.

How Watford and West Ham fans feel about Nestory Irankunda

Watford supporters expressed their surprise at West Ham’s interest in Irankunda, claiming that it is unlikely they’d be willing to spend the money it would take to sign him from their Championship rival.

They have also questioned whether he would want to stay in the second tier if he left Vicarage Road, which could hurt the Hammers if Crystal Palace decide to pursue his signature.

Meanwhile, West Ham supporters are mixed on whether or not he would be worth chasing following their relegation from the Premier League.

Irankunda’s future is up in the air, and it’s likely any resolution will have to wait until his return from the World Cup.

Australia will be back in action for their final group game on 26 June when they face Paraguay in a 3am kick-off UK time, with the two teams meeting in San Francisco.

A victory would ensure the Socceroos qualify for the second round, while a draw will also be enough, but a defeat could eliminate them from the tournament.

Nestory Irankunda transfer interest will not surprise Watford

Irankunda had a very promising first season with Watford, starting and ending the campaign strongly.

It’s no surprise that he is garnering such attention already, although the Hornets will be hoping they can keep him for another year at least.

Given his contract situation, the Championship side will be able to command a significant fee in order to sell him now.

And if he can continue to impress at the World Cup, then that will only strengthen their bargaining position if West Ham or Crystal Palace come looking to sign him.