Official: Ex-Man United defender Willy Kambwala seals Como move | OneFootball

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Como have announced the signing of former Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala from Villarreal.

United stint

United completed the signing of Kambwala on deadline day in October 2020, with the defender among a number of overseas under-18s recruited in the final window before Brexit-imposed regulations curtailed such acquisitions.

A boyhood United fan who had visited Old Trafford years before, Kambwala made great strides in United’s youth ranks despite injuries which at times hindered his progress.

The teenager was initially named in a senior matchday squad for December 2023’s 0–0 draw at Liverpool, and it wasn’t long before he was handed his bow. That opportunity arrived in a 2–0 defeat at West Ham, with Kambwala deployed alongside Jonny Evans at the centre of United’s backline.

Kambwala made 10 appearances for United, eight of which came in the Premier League.

He departed for Villarreal in July 2024 for an initial €5.5 million, having rejected a new deal with just one year left on his contract. United inserted a three-year buy-back, matching rights, and a sell-on percentage.

A report covered by The Peoples Person indicated Como’s pursuit of Kambwala, a development that would be of particular interest to United given the sell-on clause inserted into his Villarreal deal.

Now, Como have confirmed that he has joined them on an initial loan deal with the option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Kambwala joins Como

Kambwala said, “I’m very happy to be here, at this great club and in this magnificent city. I sense the club’s ambition and now I can’t wait to get to work.”

“My mentality is to never give up, and I’ll do everything I can to make both the club and the fans proud.”

Como boss Cesc Fabregas remarked, “Willy is a young defender with great qualities. He’s quick, physically strong, and comfortable defending space, but he also has the personality and desire to continue improving.”

“He’s already played in England and Spain, and we believe our environment can help him take another step forward. We’re very happy to have him here at Como.”

Kambwala was part of the Erik ten Hag team that won the FA Cup in 2024.