Watford are edging closer to a deal to sell Nestory Irankunda to Sporting for €20m. The Portuguese club is now making the winger their priority target.
What's the latest on the transfer?
According to A Bola, Sporting have accelerated their plans to reshape the left side of their attack. Expected departures for Pedro Gonçalves and Faye have increased urgency, and Francisco Trincão's move to Al Ahli has added to the pressure. As a result, Irankunda has emerged as the preferred option.
Why is Sporting so keen on Irankunda?
Sporting believe the 20-year-old offers the flexibility to play on either wing and can also play in more central attacking roles. The Portuguese side are now preparing a five-year contract running until 2031, which will happen if they can reach an agreement with Watford.
What's the current state of negotiations?
A Bola states that Sporting continue to work on a deal worth around €15m, while Watford are attempting to push the overall package closer to €20m through bonuses and performance-related incentives. The current discussions are said to focus on the structure of the agreement, with both sides trying to bridge the remaining gap through financial engineering.
What comes next?
The Portuguese newspaper believes negotiations have advanced to the point where an agreement is now closer than before. If the remaining financial details are resolved, the transfer could be completed in the coming days. For Watford, the latest update suggests talks have progressed beyond initial contact and into the finer details of a potential deal.
What's the significance of this transfer for Watford?
The sale of Irankunda would be a significant departure for Watford, who have already rejected a €10m offer from Hull City. The club's valuation of the player has increased, and they are now pushing for a higher fee. This transfer would be a major test of Watford's transfer strategy and their ability to negotiate with top European clubs.
