Manchester United academy kid Willy Kambwala turns down a new contract
According to Sport1 reporter Christopher Michel, Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala has rejected a contract extension from the club and is looking elsewhere for his next move.
Willy Kambwala came from French side Sochaux, with Manchester United paying £3.5million for him in 2020. After gradually growing in the academy, he enjoyed his breakthrough last season, starting a couple of games and impressing in the process amidst a defensive crisis. He started against West Ham United at the London Stadium, and while Manchester United lost 2-0, the youngster was the best performer for his side. Erik ten Hag even called him ‘brilliant’.
The centre-back managed 10 senior appearances across all competitions, so it is no surprise that the Red Devils want to extend his contract, which expires in the summer of 2025. But as per Christopher Michel, Kambwala has turned down the opportunity to extend his contract amid enquiries from MLS, France, Germany and Spain. The Frenchman prefers a move to La Liga if given a chance.
This should come as a blow for Man United, having already lost Raphael Varane on a free transfer last month. The futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof remain up in the air as they have entered the final year of their contracts, while Jonny Evans is well past his prime and ideally shouldn’t be starting Premier League games for the club even if he agrees to a contract extension.
INEOS have made reinforcing the centre-back area a priority with as many as three new signings being worked on right now—Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro. This comes after a campaign of defensive crisis in which Erik ten Hag’s side conceded plenty of shots on target and goals.
Amidst all the chaos, Kambwala broke into the first-team squad and took the chances that came his way with both hands. The young Frenchman’s pace, aggression, passing, tackling and passion made him an instant favourite among the United faithful, with him particularly impressing in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford in April.
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The 19-year-old has the toolset to become a top defender. Kambwala reads the game well with his position, he is fast, aerially strong and can bring the ball out from the back. Thus, losing him would be a setback for Man United as he has a bright future ahead of him.
However, as we are planning to overhaul their defensive unit, Kambwala may see his opportunities limited in the upcoming season and with very less chances to showcase his skill set that could explain why he’s eyeing a move away from Old Trafford.
