Celta go after Irankunda, the World Cup revelation

R.C. Celta de Vigo

The Celta are still looking for the winger that Claudio Giráldez has requested, and one of the names that has gained the most momentum in recent hours is Nestory Irankunda. The Australian international, currently at the Watford, has become one of the most highly valued players on the market after his impressive showing at the 2026 World Cup.

The Vigo club has already made an offer close to 10 million pounds, a figure similar to what the Sporting de Portugal and Hull City are considering. However, the Watford believes the player is worth more and, for now, has no intention of accepting any proposal for that amount.

At just 20 years old, Irankunda was one of the big revelations of the international tournament. His spectacular goal against Turkey paved the way for Australia's group-stage success and confirmed the huge potential of a player who featured in all four of his national team's matches. His pace, direct running and ability to break down defenses caught the attention of numerous European clubs.

In his first season with the Watford , he played in the English Championship, where he registered four goals and five assists, offering glimpses of his immense talent. Beyond his attacking numbers, he also stood out for his competitive intensity, reflected in twelve yellow cards and one sending off, an area he still needs to improve.

He is a highly explosive winger, capable of playing on either flank and even as a forward. He stands out for his acceleration, his powerful right-footed shot , and his ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations. He is a direct, fearless player with room to grow in decision-making, but with physical conditions that are unusual for his age.

He was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania after his family fled the civil war in Burundi. Years later, they settled in Australia, where a meteoric career began that led him to make his debut at just 15 years old for Adelaide United. Bayern Munich took a chance on him while he was still a teenager, before loaning him to the Grasshopper and later selling him to the Watford for around three million euros.

After Leon Bailey rejected the Celts' proposal, the Celta keep the search for a game-changing winger open to complete Giráldez's squad. Irankunda fits the profile the club wants: youth, unpredictability, room for development, and the ability to make a difference in open play. Now the key will be to convince Watford to lower their financial demands.