Adelaide United Football Club can confirm it has agreed to terms on the sale of winger Nestory Irankunda to FC Bayern München for a Club record fee.
Irankunda who has also agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga giants, will remain with the Reds for the remainder of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2023/24 Season.
An Adelaide Croatia Raiders junior, the 17-year-old is already the most prolific goal scorer under the age of 20 in A-League history, having registered nine goals in his 38 games so far.
Initially signed to the Reds as a 15-year-old in 2021, the teenager impressed in the Club’s youth set-up to earn his A-League chance, going on to become one of the most exciting attacking prospects this country has ever seen.
His move to Germany next July will see him in rare air as an Australian signed to a top club in a top-five European league.
“I’m happy to have this all finalised and to be heading to one of the best clubs in the world — it’s a real dream come true,” said Irankunda.
“I’ve worked hard to try and make my family proud.
“It’s going to be great to be able to see out the season with Adelaide United and try and have some success.
“I’ve been with the Club for three or four years now and I’m really grateful to have had such a loving and respectful environment since I’ve been here.
“The coaches have looked after me and taught me so much, my teammates have always had my back and the members and fans have been so good to me, so I hope to be able to help repay that before I move.”
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina, said having the deal agreed now would allow Irankunda to avoid any distraction as the Reds chase a second A-League Championship in the Club’s historic 20-year anniversary season.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Nestory and his family for him to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world,” said Kosmina.
“We are proud of Nestory and the role our club has played in his development.
“We have a strong track record of developing young South Australian talent and we want to see our players get opportunities to play at the highest level.
“We realise the A-Leagues’ standing as part of a global football landscape, and while as a club our primary focus is always team success, developing players that can go on to represent Australia and play in the top leagues in the world is something we are extremely proud of.
“Given Nestory’s age, he will not complete his transfer until July 2024, which gives our members and fans a great opportunity to see one of the world’s brightest young talents play at Coopers Stadium for the entirety of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2023/24 season.”
Irankunda is next expected to feature for the Reds in the Isuzu UTE A-League Round 5 game against Western United at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Sunday, 26 November 2023.
