Nestory Irankunda (L) of Adelaide United and Timothy Payne of the Wellington Phoenix compete for possession. Photo: photosport
Adelaide United prodigy Nestory Irankunda has been sold to German giants Bayern Munich for an A-League record transfer fee.
The 17-year-old says his long-touted move to the German powerhouse is a "dream come true".
The Reds winger will transfer to Bayern Munich in July next year, four months after turning 18 - the minimum age for a global transfer under FIFA rules.
While Adelaide have not disclosed the transfer fee for the Tanzanian-born teen, it's understood to be about $A5.5 million ($NZ6 million).
That sum almost doubles the $A2.9 million Scottish powerhouse Celtic paid for Melbourne City's Marco Tilio in June this year.
Irankunda's move to Bayern had been long-expected and was confirmed on Tuesday night.
"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," Irankunda said in a statement.
"It's going to be great to be able to see out the season with Adelaide United and try and have some success.
"I have been with the club for three or four years now and I'm really grateful to have had such a loving and respectful environment since I've been here.
"The coaches have looked after me and taught me so much, my teammates have always had my back and the members and fans have been so good to me.
"So I hope to be able to help repay that before I move."
Irankunda has scored nine goals in his 38 A-League games since making his debut in 2021/22 but only started in a handful of games this season.
- This story was first published by the ABC