Watford player seeks transfer to Bayern, CEO talks
Watford's Nestory Irankunda has met with CEO Scott Duxbury to discuss his transfer to Bayern, but negotiations with Sporting are complicated by Bayern's 40% stake in the player's economic rights. The 20-year-old Australian international has made no secret of his desire to join the Portuguese side, but the talks are proving difficult.
What happened?
Irankunda has spoken directly to Watford's hierarchy, making his preferred destination clear and already rejecting alternatives, including Hull City. He has asked Duxbury to help speed up the process, but the talks are complicated by the Bayern clause.
Why it matters for Watford
The Championship club are prepared to sell, but only once they are satisfied with the financial package. They are trying to renegotiate the agreement with Bayern, which would give them a higher share of the transfer fee.
What comes next?
Sporting still see Irankunda as their preferred replacement on the left side of the attack and are willing to show some flexibility. However, there is no indication they are prepared to meet Watford's full demands. The Lisbon club's latest proposal remains €15m plus €5m in performance-related bonuses, while Watford continue to push for a higher fixed fee and improved add-ons.
Recent form
Watford are currently 16th in the Championship, with 57 points from 46 games, and are 38 points behind leaders Coventry. They have scored 53 goals and conceded 65 this season, with a recent form of 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL). Their next fixture is against Cardiff away on October 13th.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 16th in Championship, 57 pts, 14W-15D-17L from 46 games, recent form LLLLL.
Goals this season: 53 scored, 65 conceded (-12 goal difference).
Title race: 38 points behind leaders Coventry.
Last result: Watford 0-4 Coventry (2026-05-02).
Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
Next fixture: vs Cardiff (away, 2026-10-13).
