Nestory Irankunda has been heavily linked with a move from Watford to Portuguese powerhouse Sporting Lisbon but the two clubs are a long way away from agreement on a deal.
According to Sky Sports, Irankunda’s current club Watford have turned down two bids of around £10 million (€11.7m) from Sporting and Celta Vigo for the Aussie star.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo claims Sporting have progressed negotiations since, having put forward an updated offer of £12.8m (€15m) plus performance-related bonuses. The discussions are ongoing.
👋🇦🇺 Back from the World Cup, pre-season begins for Nestory Irankunda.
Great to see you, Nes! 👊 pic.twitter.com/8d1Ep5l5Lm
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 25, 2026
Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport claims Serie A club Caglari are interested in Socceroos centre-back Harry Souttar, who is also being targeted by Championship club West Ham United among others.
Souttar’s current club Leciester City have reportedly set a £10m (A$19m) price tag.
Manchester United’s Aussie youngster James Overy has been linked with a loan move to multiple A-League clubs, while Daily Mail are now reporting interest from Scottish giants Rangers.
Parma has reportedly valued Alessandro Circati at €20m (A$32m) as interest swirls following his strong displays at the 2026 World Cup. Atletico Madrid and Newcastle have both been linked with the defender.
Paul Okon-Engstler’s move to FC Koln is now official, with the German Bundesliga club confirming the transfer on a four-year deal earlier in the week.
Koln managing director Thomas Kessler said: “He is a young player with a lot of potential, and someone who has developed really well in the past few years. With his impressive performances for Sydney FC, he earned a place in the Australian national team and was able to showcase the development path he has been on at the World Cup.
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“Paul has great footballing qualities, has a high-level of intensity and brings the readiness to work on himself every day to continue his development. This is exactly the sort of character that fits well to our current path.
“We are convinced that he will improve our central midfield with his qualities and give our squad an added option. At the same time, we want to give him the best possible opportunities to develop and to make the next step together.”
Socceroo Ajdin Hrustic is also on the move, completing a move from relegated Dutch club Heracles to join UAE Pro League outfit Al Nasr SC.
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Hrustic said: “I’ll fight for the badge and give everything I have for the club… Of course, I enjoy scoring but I also enjoy creating goals.
“I’ve won in Europe, succeeded with the national team and now it’s time to succeed with Al Nasr.”
In competitive action this weekend, Marcus Younis made his Brondby debut and played the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw at AGF Aarhus in the Danish Superliga. He registered three shots including an ambitious bicycle kick.
Marco Tilio played 59 minutes in Rapid Vienna’s 3-0 win at Wienerberg in Austria’s OFB Cup.
Garang Kuol was an 83rd minute substitute for Sparta Prague in a 3-1 loss away to Brno in the return of the Czech Chance Liga season.
Ryan Strain got a goal and an assist in new club Falkirk’s 3-0 win over Stranraer in the Scottish League Cup.
In the USA’s MLS, Lucas Herrington put in a full shift for Colorado Rapids in their 1-0 loss at St Louis City, while there was no debut for Luka Jovanovic in San Jose Earthquakes’ 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy.
Kye Rowles headed DC United ahead in their 2-1 win over Toronto, but left the field in the 80th minute with injury.
Rowles had a strong game, including 12 defensive contributions, plus a smart header from a corner to put DC ahead.
