Watford have turned down Sporting CP’s €20 million offer for 20‑year‑old Australian forward Nestory Irankunda, signalling the club’s intent to hold out for a bigger payday as the Championship side eyes a record transfer fee.

Why did Watford reject the Sporting CP bid?

The Portuguese giants raised the offer to €15 million upfront plus €5 million in bonuses, according to Record and A Bola. Watford’s board, however, deemed the total insufficient after having paid €4 million for Irankunda from Bayern Munich just a year earlier. The club also turned down a £10 million (A$19.1 million) proposal from La Liga side Celta Vigo, preferring to keep leverage for a higher‑valued deal.

What does the sell‑on clause mean for Watford?

Bayern Munich’s original 50 percent sell‑on clause was renegotiated to 40 percent, with Watford buying back an additional 10 percent. This adjustment reduces Bayern’s future cut and boosts Watford’s potential windfall, explaining the club’s patience. The buy‑back clause for Bayern has now expired, removing another variable from the equation.

Who else is interested in Irankunda?

Besides Sporting CP, clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, West Ham, Fiorentina and Celta Vigo have been linked to the Australian talent. Their interest underscores Irankunda’s rising profile after a strong World Cup showing, though the player’s recent comments on American pundit Mike Grella’s remarks show his confidence remains high.

What are the next steps for Watford and Irankunda?

Negotiations continue, with Sporting CP eager to finalize the deal before rival suitors intensify. A move to Sporting would place Irankunda in a traditional Portuguese “Big Three” and give him Champions League exposure after Sporting finished runners‑up in the Primeira Liga last season. Watford, meanwhile, must decide whether to cash in now or wait for a potentially larger offer that could set a new Championship transfer record.

The saga highlights Watford’s strategic approach to player trading, balancing immediate financial gain against long‑term sporting ambitions.