Aussie wonderkid Nestory Irankunda in contention for Bayern debut

Irankunda joins first team

Bayern Munich announced that they had signed Adelaide United’s Nestory Irankunda all the way back in November 2023. Because the young Aussie was just 17 years old, he couldn’t actually move to Germany until July 2024.

Irankunda finally moved just last month. He was expected to spend all season either with Bayern’s reserve team in the fourth tier of German football or on loan with another lower level club. After impressing early for Bayern II though, Irankunda seems to have earned a place in the Bavarians’ senior side.

New Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany included Irankunda the club’s first team squad for all five of their preseason friendlies. The Australian played in four of the five matches, including in Bayern’s 2-1 win against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham on August 3.

Irankunda made a big impression in his limited minutes this preseason. The 18-year-old had three goals and an assist in his four preseason appearances.

Debut incoming?

Bayern Munich take on Bundesliga 2 side Ulm on August 17 at 4:45 AM (AEST). The betting sites have the Bavarians as huge favourites to win this match. They are expected to dominate and advance to the next round.

Given the sports betting odds and his strong preseason performances, many reports are speculating that Nestory Irankunda could get his competitive debut for Bayern Munich against Ulm on Saturday.

It’s unlikely that the Socceroos star starts the match, but he could be one of the first names off the bench if Bayern take an early lead. Irankunda came on to replace Harry Kane at halftime in Bayern’s last preseason friendly against WSG Tirol on Tuesday.

Irankunda used his blistering pace to set up an 80th minute goal in that match. Fellow new signing João Palhinha spoke after the match and was impressed by what he saw from the young Aussie.

“They (Irankunda Bayern academy graduate Gabriel Vidović) and were able to show what they can do,” Palhinha said.

Bayern Sporting director Christoph Freund said: “Some young players took part from the start and were able to give a good account of themselves. It's nice for them to get some minutes with the first teamers.”

Irankunda could get more first-team minutes this Saturday. If he performs well, he could even earn a first-team place with Bayern for the rest of the season instead of being loaned out, as is planned right now.