Watford’s long-running negotiations with Sporting over Nestory Irankunda have taken another turn. The winger is now speaking directly to the club’s chief executive in an effort to push the transfer through.
The Australia international has made no secret of his desire to join the Portuguese side. However, Record reports he has now held a meeting with Watford CEO Scott Duxbury to discuss the situation personally.
According to the newspaper, Irankunda wanted an update on where negotiations stood. He then asked Duxbury to help speed up the process. Irankunda wanted to complete the move.
The 20-year-old believes the switch represents the ideal next step in his career, giving him the chance to play Champions League football after an impressive campaign with Watford and his performances for Australia at the Club World Cup.
Record adds there was no confrontation during the meeting. Instead, the talks were described as cordial. Watford appreciated what Irankunda contributed during his first season at Vicarage Road.
Also, they accepted he has earned the opportunity to take the next step. The Championship club are prepared to sell. However, this is only once they are satisfied with the financial package.
Bayern clause still creating complications
Record also provides more detail on another issue affecting the negotiations. Watford only own 60% of Irankunda’s economic rights. This is after agreeing to give Bayern Munich 40% of any future transfer fee. They agreed to this when they signed the winger last summer.
With Sporting’s current proposal standing at €15m (£13m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in bonuses, the Hornets believe their share of the transfer would be lower than they had hoped.
The report says they are therefore trying to renegotiate that agreement with Bayern. They want to do this before giving the green light to a sale.
That adds another layer to talks which are already proving difficult, with Watford effectively trying to resolve two negotiations before completing the deal.
Sporting still determined to get deal done
While discussions with Watford have continued, Record says Sporting have spent the past few days prioritising the expected departures of Ousmane Diomande and Pedro Gonçalves.
Once those transfers are finalised, the Portuguese side intend to turn their full attention back to Irankunda. They still see him as their preferred replacement on the left side of the attack.
The report also claims Sporting could be willing to show some flexibility because of how highly they rate the Australian. However, there is no indication they are prepared to meet Watford’s full demands.
The Lisbon club’s latest proposal remains €15m (£13m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in performance-related bonuses, while Watford continue to push for a higher fixed fee and improved add-ons.
For now, Irankunda has done everything he can from his side. The winger has spoken directly to Watford’s hierarchy. He has made his preferred destination crystal clear and already rejected alternatives, including Hull City.
He is now waiting for the two clubs to bridge the remaining gap and finally complete the move he has been pushing for.
