rebelliousfeminist974 said:

The only reason why we're not seeing our Aussies abroad starting in the Premier League is because they're injury prone or are never getting game time.

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The ONLY reason is pretty tough to argue.

Watford aren’t stupid. Irankunda doesn’t have the cred to force a move. Playing in the Championship is still the best current opportunity he’s got.

A better season than last and Prem sides will come looking and can more than match/negotiate Watfords demands better than Sporting can.

Obviously Sporting don’t have the financials of an EPL club and therefore the valuation for the player is different, but a 20 year old on a 5 year contract is an asset they’re not going to give up for cheap.

Nestor could well be playing another season for Watford if deal falls through in my opinion.

riquelmes_laces said:

I wouldn't call Sporting, "Huge". It's definately "unique" or a "point of difference" to what we are used to seeing for Australian players, especially in recent memory.

However, amongst European regulars, Sporting is considered a stepping stone club, maybe one of the best in the world to transitioning to a powerhouse club in the Big 5.

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Qtr final last season in Champions League.

11th best in ClubELO rating. 18th in the Euro Club index.

The dominant club this decade in Portugal.

25th most valuable squad in Europe at eur450mil.

When players succeed there they generally move to the top 10 clubs in the world.

Its a HUGE move for an Australian player and i cant see how you can say otherwise.