Nestory Irankunda set to be offered deal by Bayern Munich and in the sights of other European clubs

He is only 17. He has yet to start an A-League game. But Nestory Irankunda’s irresistible talent has caught Europe’s attention, writes ADAM PEACOCK.

Adam Peacock

@adampeacock3

2 min read

May 2, 2023 - 2:36PM

Teenager Nestory Irankunda has quickly become the A-League’s hottest commodity. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

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German giant Bayern Munich is among a growing suite of clubs lining up offers for Adelaide United sensation Nestory Irankunda.

CODE Sports understands Bayern, currently gunning for an 11th straight German Bundesliga, is on the verge of tabling an offer for the 17-year-old, who has caught the eye with some incredible goals off the bench for the Reds this season.

Irankunda, preparing for Adelaide’s elimination final against Wellington on Friday night, is keeping things low key.

“Not really bought into it, transfer rumours and stuff,” Irankunda told CODE Sports at the A-League Men’s finals launch on Tuesday.

“I’m focused on playing in Australia for a couple of more seasons to improve my game.

“We’ll see where things go, and hopefully one day I’ll be in Europe.”

Irankunda hopes at some point to ply his trade in Europe, and the move could come soon rather than later. Picture: Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images

Despite having appeared in just 32 A-League Men’s matches – all off the bench – things are moving rapidly for Irankunda. He was called into the Socceroos squad as a train-on player in March, and has quickly become one of the main attractions in the local competition for his ability to shoot with ridiculous power.

Adelaide will do well to retain Irankunda for anything longer than next season.

In addition to Bayern, clubs across Europe and England are aware of his prodigious attacking potential. Even if a deal was agreed in the coming months, Irankunda, who turns 18 next February, wouldn’t be able to move overseas as FIFA laws prohibit players from moving abroad before their 18th birthday, unless family is moving there for work purposes.

If a deal was struck, the most likely option is Irankunda will stay in Adelaide next season.

He has a long way to go along his development pathway and Adelaide United boss Carl Veart complained after last Friday night’s defeat to Central Coast Irankunda wasn’t getting enough protection from referees.

The youngster was called up to the Socceroos squad for friendlies against Ecuador in March. Picture: Damian Briggs/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“Central Coast never used to mark me that much,” Irankunda said. “Now teams are knowing what I can do, aware of the damage I can cause. Now they’re taking precautions with that.

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“Carl can see it, the coaches can see that teams are starting to double up on me. Things will change. Not really stressed on players marking me. Every game you learn something different. I reckon I’ve improved a lot to what I was last season.”

Despite all the transfer rumours and hype around his performances – Coopers Stadium invariably lifts when he’s brought off the bench – Irankunda said his sole focus is Friday night’s elimination final against Wellington.

“I feel like I’m a whole different player than I was last season. Me and the team can accomplish a lot,” he said. “It feels great to be a part of this finals campaign, I’m proud I and the team have got to this stage.”