West Ham want rapid World Cup record breaker Nestory Irankunda to light up their Championship title tilt, according to a journalist who has just interviewed him.
It is always exciting to watch for breakout stars at a World Cup and hope West Ham might be in the mix for one or two.
Relegation from the Premier League makes that a lot more difficult this summer – but not impossible it seems.
Because West Ham want Australia’s rapid World Cup record breaker Nestory Irankunda according to a top source.
West Ham Irankunda as Summerville replacement
Irankunda wrote his name into Australia’s history books by becoming the youngest player to ever score for the Socceroos at a World Cup.
In a display of blistering pace, the 20-year-old ran onto a ball over the top and knocked it beyond a defender before emphatically finishing to break the deadlock in an eventual 2-0 victory over Turkey.
McNeil, Nelson, Willock, Isidor… Who would YOU pick? 🧐
West Ham have been linked with a quartet of Premier League men
Irankunda would not have to travel far to make a move to West Ham, though, as he is playing his football at Watford.
Bayern Munich do still have a buy-back option on their former Academy star – but according to Australian journalist Vince Rugari, West Ham are circling for Irankunda.
And Rugari is as good a source as any given he has literally just interviewed Irankunda for The Sydney Morning Herald.
Rugari describes Irankunda as ‘exhilarating, unpredictable and audacious’.
According to Rugari, West Ham have been keeping tabs on the winger – a claim also being made by the likes of BBC Sport and Football Insider.
The move would make perfect sense from Nuno Espirito Santo’s point of view given the Hammers are highly likely to cash in on sought-after Crysencio Summerville for around £50m.
Journalist who just interviewed Irankunda makes West Ham claim
West Ham have also released Adama Traore, which makes signing a pacy winger a top priority this summer.
The Hammers, who are also eyeing Leicester and Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu, will have money to spend according to new majority owner Daniel Kretinsky.
McNeil, Nelson, Willock, Isidor… Who would YOU pick? 🧐
West Ham have been linked with a quartet of Premier League men
The Czech business tycoon has already plugged the £90m hole in West Ham’s finances by purchasing an additional 16 per cent of the club at £5.6m per share.
Kretinsky has also pledged to inject any funds necessary to back Nuno’s Hammers rebuild for the club’s push to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Irankunda would certainly help in that respect having already found his feet in the Championship.
What Irankunda would bring to West Ham
The Aussie star is exactly the type of player West Ham fans love and would bring explosive pace, unpredictability and genuine excitement.
A direct winger who thrives in one-v-one situations by using his acceleration and close control to beat defenders and create chances, Irankunda’s willingness to run at opponents would make him a logical replacement for Summerville.
His ability will be key for helping unlock deep defensive blocks, something West Ham will have to get used to being the big fish in the second tier.
Irankunda possesses a powerful shot and is capable of scoring spectacular goals from distance. He has not been prolific in his fledgling career so far but is extremely versatile, capable of operating off either flank.
West Ham’s recruitment is increasingly focused on young players with high ceilings, and Irankunda fits that profile perfectly.
An element of patience may be required while Irankunda develops further but his raw talents suggest he could become a major asset and an exciting fan favourite at the London Stadium.
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