Official: Promising United ace signs for Spanish outfit in £9.9m deal; INEOS chiefs included buy-back clause

Willy Kambwala has today been unveiled as Villarreal’s newest recruit following his exit from Manchester United.

The 19-year-old has departed Old Trafford after four years – three of which were spent in the youth setup before he was awarded his Premier League debut in December 2023.

🔴 Willy Kambwala fought for his dream, and he lived it.

The defender joins Villarreal with nothing but our best wishes for the future ❤️#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 15, 2024

He proceeded to make a further nine appearances in all competitions, with his two FA Cup outings ensuring that he claimed a winners’ medal when the Reds lifted the trophy at Wembley in May.

Kambwala proved to be a reliable option amidst last season’s debilitating injury crisis, so much so that fans would’ve likely preferred to keep hold of him for the foreseeable seasons to see how he develops.

Read more: ‘Being discussed’ – Euro club chief confirms they are negotiating a fee for one of Ten Hag’s trusted lieutenants

Why Kambwala pushed for a summer move

However, it was actually the teenager’s decision to facilitate a move this summer, and you can’t fault his reasoning. Kambwala entered the transfer window ‘reluctant’ to bid farewell to United, but after holding talks with Erik ten Hag, he was informed that he’d rank ‘way down the pecking order of centre-backs’.

As such, the young French international determined it was best he pursue a new venture away from United, and supporters will certainly be wishing him well in his future endeavours.

The club will receive an upfront fee of £4.7 million from the sale plus a further £5.2m in potential add-ons later down the line. A buy-back option has been included in the deal, which is valid for the next three years, as well as a sell-on clause.