Bayern Munich has loaned 18-year-old Australian winger Nestory Irankunda to Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zürich until June 30, 2025. This strategic move aims to provide Irankunda with valuable first-team experience in a top-tier European league, facilitating his development and readiness for Bayern’s senior squad.
Irankunda joined Bayern Munich from Adelaide United in July 2024 for a reported fee of €3.4 million. During the first half of the season, he made 15 appearances for Bayern’s reserve team in the Regionalliga Bayern, contributing four goals and four assists. He also featured in three UEFA Youth League matches for Bayern’s U-19 team, scoring once.
Despite his impressive performances at the reserve level, breaking into Bayern’s star-studded first team proved challenging. Irankunda expressed a desire for more consistent top-flight action, stating, “I have to be playing; I can’t keep playing under-23s every week.”
Grasshopper Club Zürich, currently struggling in the Swiss Super League, sees Irankunda’s arrival as a significant boost. Sporting director Stephan Schwarz described him as a “young and exciting talent with dynamism and the ability to ignite the attack.”
This loan move is expected to benefit all parties involved. Bayern Munich’s director of youth development, Jochen Sauer, commented, “We’re convinced he’ll take the next sporting steps in the Swiss top tier at GC Zürich. We’ll continue to support him very closely on his journey.”
For Irankunda, this represents an opportunity to gain invaluable experience in a competitive European league, accelerating his development and increasing his chances of breaking into Bayern’s first team upon his return. Fans and analysts will be keenly observing his progress in Switzerland, hopeful that this experience will serve as a stepping stone to a successful career at the highest levels of European football.
