Everton are reportedly showing interest in signing Watford winger Nestory Irankunda in the summer transfer window, according to a report from Sportsboom. Often called the “Golden Boy” of Australian football, the 20-year-old moved to Watford from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2025. Since then, his performances in the Championship have put him on the radar of clubs all over Europe.
Everton eye Watford’s Nestory Irankunda in a summer window full of ambition
Irankunda has put up four goals and five assists in his first Championship season, making him one of the most talked-about young players heading into the summer. He is quick, beats defenders with ease, and is a genuine threat from set-pieces, having already scored two free-kicks from ten attempts.
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Irankunda averages 1.6 shots per game, likes to cut inside, and constantly draws fouls by finding pockets of space. However, four goals in 39 games show that his finishing still needs work, and he can sometimes make the wrong choice in the final third under pressure.
The deal is complicated. Bayern Munich have a buy-back clause and a 50% sell-on fee, which is why Watford want around £17 million to make sure they get a decent return. Fiorentina scouts have watched Irankunda in his last five games, while Bayer Leverkusen have put him on their transfer shortlist. With Crystal Palace also keeping tabs, Everton are in for a real fight.
Would Irankunda genuinely solve Everton’s attacking problem or simply add to it?
WATFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Nestory Irankunda of Watford in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Sheffield United at Vicarage Road on April 18, 2026 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Everton spent £35 million on Tyler Dibling last summer, but the teenager has hardly played under David Moyes. Adding another raw, unproven winger right now feels like repeating a mistake that hasn’t paid off yet. Everton lack width, but that’s partly down to a system that doesn’t always suit young, instinctive players.
Irankunda’s speed and directness look great in the Championship, but the Premier League is a much tougher test for those specific traits. The price tag is a lot of money for a player with four goals in 39 appearances.
Everton have shown real European ambition under Moyes and need players who can make an impact right away, not projects for the future. Irankunda might be special one day, but Everton should spend their summer budget on someone more established. At this price, the club should let this one go.
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