Manchester United agree €11.5m deal with La Liga side for exciting talent
INEOS see value in Willy Kambwala, which is why they have retained a buy-back option for the defender REUTERS/David Klein
Manchester United have successfully completed the sale of young centre-back Willy Kambwala.
The 19-year-old had arrived at the Old Trafford club from French second-tier club Sochaux back in October 2020, during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time at the Mancunian helm.
Dubbed one for the future, the defender had to wait until last season to make his senior debut, when Erik ten Hag brought him on during December’s 2-0 loss at West Ham. Kambwala ended the season with 10 appearances but tasted celebrations nevertheless, as he was an unused substitute in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Now, following his breakthrough season in England, the young talent has parted ways with the Red Devils after rejecting a new contract offer.
Manchester United complete Willy Kambwala sale
Manchester United have officially confirmed that Willy Kambwala has left the club to join La Liga outfit Villarreal this summer. The deal is said to be worth €11.5m (£9.6m), of which €5.5m makes up the fixed fee and the add-ons form the remaining €6m.
However, INEOS still see value in the player, which is why the new club hierarchy has retained a buy-back option for three years on Kambwala. There also exists a considerable sell-on price in case the young starlet moves elsewhere in the future.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils remain focused on strengthening their central defence, as they continue to pursue Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille’s Leny Yoro.
De Ligt’s reunion with Ten Hag at the Theatre of Dreams seemingly remains only a matter of when, whereas the latter two transfers hinge on decisions from the English club and the French player, respectively.