‘Talent's not enough': Popovic's warning to Irankunda as Bayern Munich exit looms
But Popovic's backing comes with a warning, and one that should be ringing in the ears of the 19-year-old as he nears the exit at Bayern Munich after just one year on the club's books: 'Talent's not enough. It's never been enough, and it never will be enough.'
Irankunda has reportedly agreed terms on a four-year contract with English Championship club Watford, who are prepared to pay a fee of $5.3 million (€3 million) for a full transfer from Bayern Munich. The five-cap Socceroo will depart having not played in a competitive game for the club, after spending the first part of the 2024-25 season playing for their reserves in Germany's regional leagues and then a mixed six-month stint on loan at Swiss club Grasshoppers.
Though it appears to be the end of the road for the former Adelaide United ace at Bayern, he could yet find his way back to the Bundesliga champions if his career takes off in England. The deal is said to include not only a 50 per cent sell-on fee, but a clause that would enable them to buy him back at an agreed price in the future, which means they will remain directly interested in his progress.
Watford last played in the Premier League three years ago and have been a mid-table club in the Championship since.
Adelaide United, meanwhile, will net 10 per cent of the profit Bayern made on Irankunda, negotiated as part of his transfer to Germany; if the reported figures are accurate, that could equate to about $400,000.
'I don't know if that's definitely done yet, but if it is, wonderful,' Popovic said when asked about the transfer on Tuesday.
'If it's not, hopefully that's something that comes through for Nestory. I'm sure they've done their due diligence in terms of where he would fit in that squad and what plans they have with him as a young player. Hopefully, that will help him grow and take his game to another level. The World Cup's 12 months away, so it's exciting news.'
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