Watford are holding out for a higher fee for Nestory Irankunda as Hull City consider a £10m bid for the 20-year-old forward. The Championship club rejected an initial £8m offer plus add-ons from the Tigers, who remain interested in the Tanzanian-born starlet.
What happened in the transfer talks?
Hull City made their first approach for Irankunda, who scored four goals in the Championship last season. Watford, who signed him for £2.5m from Bayern Munich last summer, are demanding a higher fee after his standout performances at the World Cup, including a goal against Turkey.
Why is Irankunda in demand?
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips believes a £10m-£15m fee would be fair for Irankunda, who has shown flashes of brilliance. Phillips praised his match-winning potential, citing his World Cup goal and impact in tight games. Watford, however, are reluctant to sell a key player as they aim to challenge in the Championship.
What does this mean for Watford?
With Watford currently 16th in the Championship (57 points, 14W-15D-17L), losing Irankunda could weaken their attack. The Hornets have scored 53 goals this season but conceded 65, trailing leaders Coventry by 38 points. Their next fixture is an away game against Burnley on 27 February 2027.
What comes next?
Hull City are expected to return with a revised offer, but Watford may resist unless the bid meets their valuation. Phillips suggested that keeping Irankunda could be crucial for Watford’s ambitions, while Hull see him as a potential Premier League match-winner.
