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Sporting CP manager Rui Borges has publicly confirmed Australian star Nestory Irankunda is joining the club, telling a packed press conference that “he’s there signing now”. Irankunda arrived in Portugal for his medical earlier this week to much fanfare, with a gaggle of cameras and reporters on hand to greet him at the airport. However reports out of Lisbon had dried up in the days since then, so it came as welcome relief to Sporting supporters – and many Socceroos fans back in Australia – when Borges spoke glowingly of the 20-year-old ahead of the club’s opening game of the season. “I don’t want to lie here, I think he’s there signing now,” a laughing Borges said. “He’s a player we wanted a lot, and I think he will add a lot to our group. ARRIVAL: ‘Very happy’ Irankunda lands in Portugal for his medical with Sporting Lisbon INSIDE HERRINGTON’S MOVE: Barcelona, Liverpool were interested so how did he choose Hull? “(He’s) a player with different characteristics from the ones we have, and personally I’m very anxious to work with him, to even better understand the characteristics that we think he can add to the team, and that makes us stronger. That’s always our goal.” Sporting went on to win the season-opener against Vitoria 3-2, with the official announcement of Irankunda’s signing still not forthcoming. Global transfer expert Rudy Galetti is reporting that Irankunda’s contract is for around €2.5 million ($AUD 4 million) per year over five years, but perhaps most noteworthy is his suggestion that Sporting have included an €80 million ($AUD 130 million) release clause. 🚨⌛ EXCL | Nestory Irankunda is set to be unveiled as a new Sporting CP player after Bayern’s formal approval has now arrived. Sporting pay Watford €16m + bonuses for 90%, with Bayern keeping 10% of a future sale. For the player, 5-year deal with a €80m release clause and a… pic.twitter.com/IDISg40HSm Irankunda didn’t have much to say when he was mobbed at the airport earlier this week, but did get a few words out for the press pack that had gathered for his arrival. “Yes I’m very happy,” he beamed, bombarded by reporters. “It means a lot, I’m very happy.” When asked a flurry of questions, from whether he will pull out his Michael Jackson celebration, to which position he plays, Irankunda took the hysteria in his stride. “I’m an attacker, I play everywhere up top.” How would he descibe himself? “Very fast!” NEWSLETTER: Get the latest football news delivered straight to your inbox with Football360 Daily. SIGN UP HERE >