Manchester United's Windfall from Kambwala's Transfer to Como

Manchester United are set for a small windfall as former defender Willy Kambwala prepares to leave Villarreal, with Como leading the race for his signature.

The Italian side are understood to be in pole position to sign the 19-year-old, edging ahead of La Liga outfit Osasuna as the transfer deadline looms. Whatever fee Villarreal agree, a slice of it will head back to Old Trafford thanks to a sell-on clause inserted when Kambwala left United two years ago.

At the time of his move to Villarreal in 2024, United sources described that sell-on as “sizeable”. The Spanish club paid an initial €5.5m plus €6m in potential add-ons, and United also secured a three-year buy-back option and matching rights, underlining how highly they rated the centre-back’s potential.

The reality this time, though, is that Villarreal are not expected to command a major fee from Como. That will cap the amount United receive, even with the clause in place.

What it does highlight is a clear shift in strategy at Old Trafford. While sell-on and buy-back clauses were used occasionally before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment, they have become a staple of United’s transfer dealings since Ineos took control of football operations.

United now routinely insist on favourable clauses that allow them to profit if former players kick on elsewhere. Tyler Fredricson’s move to Lausanne-Sport included a “high percentage” sell-on clause and a buy-back option. Radek Vitek’s transfer to Middlesbrough carried a buy-back clause, matching rights and a sell-on of up to 35 per cent.

The pattern continued last week when Ethan Williams joined Peterborough. United inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause, along with buy-back and matching rights.

Kambwala’s impending switch to Como might not bring a huge cheque back to Manchester. But it is another example of United’s new approach: never fully closing the door on a talent they once developed, and always keeping an eye on the next move.