Football news 2023, Nestory Irankunda leaves Adelaide United for Bayern Munich on A-League record transfer fee, will relocate after 18th birthday.

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“The unique scenario that we’ve got here is that Nestor is only 17 and unable to transfer before his 18th birthday which is in February,” CEO Nathan Kosmina told media.

“So, we’re in a unique position that we get to see a future Bayern Munich player playing at Coopers Stadium for the next seven months — 10 more home games.

“That’s important for our fans to enjoy but also for Nestor as well in terms of his development. He’s got a long [schedule] to prepare himself for the cultural and football shift that comes with moving to Europe.”

Despite the fanfare, Adelaide United coach Carl Veart stressed the importance of understanding that Irankunda is still a teenager with plenty to learn.

“He’s an exciting young player but it’s important that we understand that he’s still a young player and we don’t want to put too much expectation on him,” he said.

“I think it’s a credit to him so far. He’s dealing with a lot of expectation that our supporters and the public is demanding from him. We’ve got to remember that he’s still 17, he’s still learning the game and he’s allowed to play with a smile on his face and experiment while he’s out there [on the field].”

Irankunda turns 18 in February next year but will continue to pull on United’s jersey until the conclusion of the domestic season in May before relocating to Germany in July.

The club confirmed the “significant” transfer fee paid for the promising winger is a record for United, but the figure is also thought to be a record for the Australian league.

Reports claim United will receive $5.8 million throughout the multi-year deal, however Kosmina was unwilling to confirm the number.

Irankunda is a powerful attacking winger and has scored nine goals in 38 appearances, which is an A-League record for a player still under 20 years old.

He was signed by United as a 15-year-old and was soon on the radar of European clubs, including Bayern Munich’s “for some time”.

“Nestory is an extremely fast winger, good at dribbling and finishing, and with a lot of power towards the goal,” Bayern Munich’s youth development director Jochen Sauer said.

“We are convinced of his potential and that he will take the next steps with us.”

Irankunda expressed his excitement at the opportunity to play in a top 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,” he said.

“I’ve worked hard to try to make my family proud.”

Asked why he settled on Bayern, Irankunda credited his parents, particularly his father who has supported the team since before he immigrated from Africa.

“My dad supported them so I chose them,” he said.

“He’s really happy — he’s proud so that’s all that matters.”