Bayern Munich are looking to rope in talents from oversees now, as they have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Adelaide United wonderkid Nestory Irankunda. The talented 17-year-old has rose to fame with the Australian club this season, with 680 minutes of A-League football and eight goals.
Irankunda’s contract with the German club led by Thomas Tuchel is nearing completion, with Adelaide United poised to pay a big sum plus add-ons for the winger, who will be loaned back for the 2023-2024 A-League season. Bayern’s technical director Marco Neppe regards Tanzania-born Irankunda as a project player, and one for the long term development.
Irankunda’s coach denies Bayern Munich deal
Bayern Munich are eyeing Irankunda’s deal as a similar one to left-back Alphonso Davies, who was scouted and signed from MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019, and has already helped the club win a Champions League trophy at the age of 18.
To emphasise the point, Bayern’s 28-man first-team squad includes seven players aged 20 or younger: midfielders Paul Wanner and Arijon Ibrahimovi, who are the same age as Irankunda and have three Bundesliga appearances between them, and 18-year-old forward Mathys Tel, who has five.
Jamal Musiala, a 20-year-old attacker, is regarded as one of the world’s most promising prospects. For Irankunda, the math is simple: another successful season in Australia, and forget about the young academy; upon arrival in the Bavarian city, he will immediately join Bayern Munich’s fraternity of first team youths.
Irankunda was called up by the Socceroos in March for friendlies against Ecuador,, but he was not given a debut in what was more of a learning and acclimatisation experience. However, apart from his blistering pace and dribbling prowess, Bayern’s attention was drawn to the raw, scary power of the youngster’s right foot, as well as his ability to reach the net from the most unlikely of angles.
Bayern Munich have reached an agreement with Australian 17-year-old Nestory Irankunda.
His ball-striking technique is INSANE! ??
— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) May 5, 2023
Irankunda’s shooting force defies the laws of physics and has become as much a trademark as his double and triple backflip goal celebrations, as can be seen in the video. However, his coach Carl Veart has stated that rumours claiming the 17-year-old A-League sensation had reached an agreement with Bayern Munich were incorrect. FIFA rules prohibit Irankunda from moving to Europe before his 18th birthday in February of next year, a month after the transfer season shuts. Veart sad:
“There is no deal been done at this stage. The last conversation I had is there’s still quite a few clubs throwing their hat in the ring. So I don’t think it’s going to be a straightforward decision. There’s good chance that we will, but we have still got another season at least with him.
“The club will take its time before they make a decision. And I suppose Nestor has to take his time as well with his group to make sure that the next step in his career is a good one and into a place where he can keep developing. In all my time in football in Australia, I have never seen a player that has such an impact on supporters.
“Every time you see him get the ball, everyone lifts in the whole stadium. He is is a very special player. And it’s important we make sure we do everything that is right for him and for Australia and (the) future in world football.”