Watford are in regular talks with Manchester City over bringing defender Stephen Mfuni back on loan for the upcoming Championship season, sporting director Luke Dowling confirmed. The Hornets, who finished 16th in the Championship last season with 57 points (14W-15D-17L), are also monitoring striker Nestory Irankunda’s future amid reported £14m interest from Sporting Lisbon.
What’s the latest on Mfuni’s potential return?
Stephen Mfuni, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Watford, has featured prominently for Manchester City during their pre-season tour of Asia. He played 45 minutes in City’s 1-1 draw with Inter Milan and the full second half in their 3-1 win over a K-League XI in Seoul. Dowling noted Mfuni’s versatility, comparing him to Nathan Aké, and revealed the club remains in close contact with City over a possible deal.
Could Nestory Irankunda leave Vicarage Road?
Irankunda, who scored for Australia at the World Cup this summer, has been heavily linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon, who will compete in the Champions League this season. Dowling acknowledged the 20-year-old’s situation is fluid, stating: Scott [Duxbury, the chairman] wants to keep Nestory, but transfer market dynamics could force a decision. If Irankunda departs, Dowling hinted Kwadwo Baah may step into a more prominent role.
Are Watford targeting a new striker?
Dowling confirmed Watford are actively pursuing another forward, either on loan or permanently, to bolster their attack. The club conceded 65 goals last season (53 scored, -12 goal difference) and finished 38 points behind leaders Coventry. However, he stressed that strengthening the centre-half position remains the higher priority for now, with the new Championship campaign yet to begin.
The Hornets’ recent form saw them lose their last five matches of the 2025 season, including a 0-4 defeat to Coventry on 2 May 2026.
