Man United Set for Cash Boost as Kambwala Nears 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 is in advanced talks over a switch to Serie A, with Como currently leading the race ahead of La Liga outfit Osasuna. If the deal goes through, United will profit thanks to a sizeable sell-on clause inserted into the deal that took Kambwala to Spain.
When Villarreal signed Kambwala from Old Trafford in 2024, they agreed a package worth €5.5million (£4.7m) plus a possible €6m (£5.14m) in add-ons. Crucially for United, that agreement also included a buy-back option, matching rights for three years and what club sources at the time described as a “sizeable” sell-on clause.
The catch? Villarreal are only expected to receive a modest fee from Como, which naturally limits the slice heading back to Manchester. Even so, with every pound under scrutiny late in the window, the money will be welcomed.
Kambwala had made his United debut at 19 before the Yellow Submarine moved to secure him two years ago. His sale became one of the early examples of a growing trend at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe era makes clauses the norm
United did occasionally protect their interests in outgoing deals before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment, but those mechanisms have now become standard under Ineos’ control of football operations. Sell-on percentages, buy-back clauses and matching rights are no longer nice extras. They’re baked into almost every negotiation.
Tyler Fredricson’s move to Lausanne-Sport carried a “high percentage” sell-on clause and a buy-back option. Radek Vitek’s transfer to Middlesbrough came with similar protections: a buy-back clause, matching rights and a sell-on that could reach up to 35 per cent.
The pattern has only hardened this summer. Ethan Williams’ switch to Peterborough last week included a 50 per cent sell-on clause, along with buy-back and matching rights. Ethan Ennis’ permanent move to Stockport County earlier this week was structured the same way: a 50 per cent sell-on clause, plus buy-back and matching rights.
United’s message is clear. Even when players leave, the club wants a hand on the lever of their future value.
Late-window plans still active
All of this unfolds against a familiar backdrop at Old Trafford: a squad still in need of strengthening as the transfer deadline creeps into view.
Michael Carrick has made no secret of the club’s stance as they scan the market for late opportunities.
“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 completes his move to Como, the windfall will not transform United’s budget on its own. But in a new era where every outgoing deal is wired with future upside, it’s another small example of a club finally learning to profit from the players it lets go.
The real test comes next: can those smart clauses help fund the kind of signings that drag United back to where they believe they belong?
