Manchester United youngster Willy Kambwala on the cusp of joining Spanish side Villarreal
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Villarreal are in advanced talks to sign Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala.
Willy Kambwala joined Manchester United from Sochaux back in 2020. He broke into the first team last season amidst an injury crisis in defence, making 10 appearances in the process. The ex-France youth international’s deal at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and while the Red Devils looked into extending his stay, the defender rejected a new offer.
As a result, the Manchester United chiefs have decided to cash in on Kambwala rather than lose on a free transfer next summer. Fabrizio Romano took to his official X account to confirm that La Liga club Villarreal are looking to secure a permanent transfer for the young defender for a fee in the region of €10m, with the Red Devils inserting a buyback clause in the deal.
“Villarreal are closing in on deal to sign Willy Kambwala from Manchester United!” Romano tweeted.
“Understand it will be a permanent transfer for fee around €10m for 2004 born CB. The deal also includes a future buy-back clause for Man United.
“Final details then… here we go, soon.”
News of Kambwala’s exit comes as Man United are planning a defensive shakeup after a disastrous, injury-ravaged 2023/24 season. Raphael Varane has left the club as a free agent, while the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof remain uncertain. Jonny Evans agreed to a contract extension on Friday but he is only to add cover in that position.
It is perhaps INEOS working on three deals—namely Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro—that has influenced Kambwala’s decision to end his four-year stay at Man United. The 19-year-old made his senior debut in the 2-0 away defeat to West Ham United in December, and while Erik ten Hag’s side lost, he did catch the eye with his pace, reading of the game and no-nonsense defending.
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Kambwala was thrust into the starting XI amidst a defensive crisis in the 2-2 league draw with Liverpool in April and he performed extremely well, winning over the Old Trafford faithful with his commitment, passion, energy and tackles. However, with INEOS and Ten Hag planning to recruit central defenders this summer, it is obvious that the Frenchman will find it difficult to enjoy regular game time at our club.
If Kambwala hits the ground running in La Liga and lives up to his potential Villarreal, we may then decide to trigger the buyback clause and bring him back to Manchester.
