Manchester United could still benefit from Willy Kambwala’s move to Italy after Como confirmed the defender has joined on loan from Villarreal.
The 21-year-old will spend the 2026/27 season with the Serie A club, who have an option to make the transfer permanent for €10 million next summer. United won’t be getting Willy Kambwala back, but they have kept a sell-on clause from his previous move to Villarreal.
Kambwala gets another chance in Italy
Kambwala came through the Sochaux academy before joining United in 2020. He made his senior debut against West Ham United in December 2023 and went on to play 10 times for the first team during the 2023/24 season. He was also part of Erik ten Hag’s squad that lifted the FA Cup in 2024.
Regular football at Old Trafford proved difficult to find and Kambwala eventually left for Villarreal. His time in Spain was marred by injuries and now a move to Como gives him another opportunity to get his career moving again.
For Manchester United, the important part of this deal is what could happen next summer.
Como’s €10m purchase option isn’t mandatory yet, so the Italian club can decide whether they want to keep Kambwala permanently next summer. Should they do so, United could receive a portion of the fee thanks to the sell-on clause negotiated when he left Old Trafford.
There is still time for Willy Kambwala to make something of his career, and Como could provide the regular football he needs under Cesc Fabregas.
For Manchester United, though, there is at least the possibility of a financial return next summer.
