Manchester United Set for Transfer Boost as Kambwala Approaches Como Move

Manchester United are set for an unexpected cash injection this month, with former defender Willy Kambwala closing in on a move from Villarreal to Italian side Como.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who left Old Trafford for Spain in 2024, is in advanced talks over a switch to Serie A new boys Como, with the Italian club currently leading the race ahead of La Liga outfit Osasuna.

If, as expected, the deal goes through, United will collect a slice of the fee thanks to a sizeable sell-on clause negotiated when Kambwala left Manchester.

Sell-on foresight pays off

When Villarreal came calling two years ago, United agreed a package worth €5.5million (£4.7m) plus a further €6m (£5.14m) in add-ons for Kambwala, who had just broken into the first team and made his debut at 19.

Crucially, that agreement did not end their interest in his future.

United sources at the time described the sell-on clause as “sizeable”, and the deal also included a buy-back option and matching rights for three years – a structure that has quickly become a hallmark of the club’s revamped transfer strategy.

The catch this time is Villarreal’s own position. The Spanish side are only expected to receive a modest fee from Como, which naturally limits the amount United will bank from the clause. Even so, it is money that can be fed straight back into this summer’s budget.

Ratcliffe era reshapes United’s sales

Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, these kinds of clauses have shifted from occasional add-ons to standard practice.

United had dabbled with such mechanisms before the Ineos investment, but since the new regime took control of football operations, sell-ons, buy-backs and matching rights have become non-negotiable tools when younger players move on.

• Tyler Fredricson’s switch to Lausanne-Sport came with a “high percentage” sell-on and a buy-back option.
• Radek Vitek’s move to Middlesbrough was loaded with similar protections: a buy-back clause, matching rights and a sell-on clause of up to 35 per cent.

The trend has only hardened this summer.

• Ethan Williams’ transfer to Peterborough last week included a 50 per cent sell-on clause, alongside a buy-back and matching rights.
• Ethan Ennis’ permanent move to Stockport County carried the same 50 per cent sell-on, again backed up by buy-back and matching rights clauses.

United may be letting prospects leave, but they are refusing to shut the door on either future profits or future returns.

Carrick eyes late-window opportunities

All of this comes as United look to strengthen before the transfer window closes, with Michael Carrick clear that the club intends to stay active in the final stretch of the market.

“I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad,” he said. “We're certainly working towards that, making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward.

“You know, I said the same thing to you last time. So, yeah, certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it. And I think we're a good way to doing that, so far.”

If Kambwala’s move to Como is wrapped up in time, that “situation” Carrick refers to will look a little healthier. A small deal, perhaps. But in a window where margins matter, even a modest windfall born from smart planning can help shape United’s next move.