Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda is celebrating a loan move to Swiss outfit Grasshoppers, believing his switch from Bayern Munich will only boost his global footballing education.
The 18-year-old, who joined the six-time European champions from Adelaide United last year, had not hidden his desire over the past few weeks to be sent out on loan to get more game-time at a top-flight club.
Irankunda, who has not been able to break into Bayern's first team since his €3.4 million move from the A-League Men's club, has now got his wish by going to the Swiss team, where he'll team up with fellow Australia international Awer Mabil until the end of June.
It promises to be a tough European baptism for Irankunda, with Grasshoppers struggling one from bottom of the Swiss Super League. But both the player and his parent club are happy it's a move which will benefit the talented teen.
Jochen Sauer, director of youth development at Bayern, said: "Nestory has integrated very well after his move from Australia to Europe and has repeatedly shown his great talent with our reserves.
"We're convinced he'll take the next sporting steps in the Swiss top tier at GC Zurich. We'll continue to support him very closely on his journey."
Irankunda made 15 appearances for Bayern's reserves in the first half of the season, scoring four goals and assisting on four others, while also playing three under-19 matches in the UEFA Youth League, scoring once.
Nestory Irankunda is a Grasshopper 🔵⚪#gczürich #immerwiiter pic.twitter.com/DiV9L19FBv
— Grasshopper Club Zürich (@gc_zuerich) January 4, 2025
"This is a great opportunity for me to continue my development in Switzerland's highest league," said Irankunda. "I am very happy to be at GC Zurich."
Irankunda was left out of the last Socceroos squad of 2024 with coach Tony Popovic saying he wanted the youngster to be allowed to settle and develop at one of the world's biggest clubs in Bavaria.
Grasshoppers sporting director Stephan Schwarz said Irankunda was a "young and exciting talent with dynamism and the ability to ignite the attack."