IrankundaManh Tung/Breaking Media

West Ham learn outcome of Nestory Irankunda transfer chase as Watford exit nears completion

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

06 Aug 2026, 5:10 pm

West Ham United have been lured by the prospect of signing Nestory Irankunda this summer.

The 20-year-old joined Watford on a permanent deal for £2million last summer, and looks set to leave Vicarage Road already.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are in need of new wingers and pace after the departure of Crysencio Summerville, which delivered a major cash boost.

Irankunda has been viewed as an ideal candidate to come to the London Stadium, with interest in the Aussie across Europe.

The former Bayern Munich youngster played and scored for Australia at the World Cup earlier this summer, which has only added to his value.

Irankunda looks set to have his wish granted to leave Watford, with West Ham one of several teams that have been hopeful of landing his signature.

What West Ham have learned about Nestory Irankunda transfer race

West Ham were credited with interest in Irankunda early in the transfer window, but they faced competition from multiple Premier League sides, including Hull City and Everton.

Sporting CP have put their foot on the gas more than any other interested side, but have been met with resistance from Watford.

The winger scored just four goals for the Hornets last season, but displayed incredible ball-striking ability from distance, as well as the ability to pull off an acrobatic finish, too.

But Irankunda doesn't look to be headed for E20 anytime soon, with Sporting CP now having agreed a £17m deal, according to Sky Sports correspondent, Anthony Joseph.

UPDATE: Sporting CP have agreed a deal worth around £17m for Watford forward Nestory Irankunda.#SCP came in with an improved bid of £13m earlier this week, but #WFC’s hierarchy have managed to negotiate that price up to near £17m.

Bayern Munich have a 40% sell-on clause for… https://t.co/HsEy58HSnX
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 6, 2026

Though Bayern Munich are due £7m from the deal, Watford's impending sale is described as a trading model success by Sky Sports.

Nuno could still sign a winger from the Championship, possibly even before West Ham's start to the league campaign.

Why Nuno Espirito Santo would inevitably cause Manor Solomon 'anger' at West Ham

The Championship winger West Ham could sign after Irankunda disappointment

There is not much clarity on where Nuno will play Jarrod Bowen this season.

Regardless, after Adama Traore's departure, it means that the Hammers are slightly short of cover for their skipper at right wing.

Though they won't be signing Irankunda, West Ham have an interest in Middlesbrough's Morgan Whittaker.

It has been reported that the Irons want to sign the 24-year-old from their Championship promotion rivals before the season starts, though it could take a big offer to tempt the Teessiders into selling.

Boro could struggle to keep the right-winger to stay at the Riverside Stadium, especially if West Ham were to propose a new bumper wage to the player in E20.

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