Nestory Irankunda transfer: Bayern Munich sign A-League teenage sensation

Joshua Mayne

Nestory Irankunda transfer: Bayern Munich sign A-League teenage sensation image

Teenage star Nestory Irankunda has secured a transfer from A-League Men outfit Adelaide United to European powerhouse Bayern Munich.

The youngster has set the Australian domestic competition alight with his impressive ball-striking ability and speed and has now smashed the all-time A-League transfer fee record.

MORE: Arnold names experimental Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers

Adelaide United star Nestory Irankunda signs for Bayern Munich

Irankunda has enjoyed a rapid rise since making his professional football debut for Adelaide United in 2022 as a 15-year-old.

The winger was born in Tanzania to Burundian parents, fleeing the country as a three-month-old with his family due to civil war.

He made a name for himself as a 'super sub' in Adelaide, scoring eight goals off the bench in his first two A-League Men campaigns.

Irankunda earned his first start for the club this season, scoring a stunning free-kick in a 6-0 rout of Melbourne City.

It was a different story the following week, however, sent off after receiving a second yellow card for dissent late in a game against Melbourne Victory.

His move to Germany will not take place until July due to FIFA regulations, since he is currently under 18 years of age.

The teenager was reportedly scouted by numerous major European clubs including AC Milan, Inter Milan and Liverpool.

Irankunda smashes A-League Men transfer record

It was originally reported that Bayern were set to pay a fee of AU$5.8m for Irankunda, but the final agreed payment is understood to be smaller.

Adelaide United have confirmed that the transfer was finalised for a club-record fee. 

The existing A-League Men transfer record was held by winger Marco Tilio, who moved from Melbourne City to Celtic earlier this year in a deal worth just over AU$2.9m.

Top five most expensive A-League Men transfers

(Per transfermarkt.com)

Player Season From To Fee
Marco Tilio 23/24 Melbourne City Celtic AU$2.95m
Matthew Spiranovic 15/16 Western Sydney Wanderers HZ Greentown AU$2.34m
Rostyn Griffiths 11/12 Central Coast Mariners GZ R&F AU$2.28m
Jordan Bos 23/24 Melbourne City KVC Westerlo AU$2.19m
Liberato Cacace 20/21 Wellington Phoenix Sint-Truiden AU$2.02m

Is Nestory Irankunda eligible to play for the Socceroos?

Yes, Irankunda is eligible to play for the Australian national team.

He has already represented the nation at under-17 level and was notably called up to the Socceroos squad as a training player in March this year.

The young gun was not included in Graham Arnold's latest squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.