Manchester United's Cash Boost from Kambwala Transfer to Como

Manchester United are set for an unexpected cash injection as Willy Kambwala closes in on a move from Villarreal to Como, with the Italian club beating Osasuna to his signature, according to The Mirror.

United sold Kambwala to Villarreal earlier in 2024, but did so on their own terms. The deal was structured with a sizeable sell-on clause, as well as a buy-back option and matching rights for three years – a clear sign of how highly they rated the defender even as he left Old Trafford.

Villarreal paid an initial €5.5 million, with a further €6m in potential add-ons. They are not expected to receive a major fee from Como this time, yet the sell-on clause ensures United will still take a cut of whatever the final figure is. It will not transform their budget, but it will top up the pot at a time when every extra euro matters.

This kind of planning has become a trademark of the new football structure at Old Trafford under Ineos. Sell-on clauses were used in the past, but they are now baked into almost every outgoing deal. United want a stake in their former players’ futures – and they are getting it.

The club inserted a high-percentage sell-on into the transfer of Tyler Fredricson to Lausanne-Sport. Radek Vitek’s move to Middlesbrough came with a clause of up to 35 per cent. Ethan Williams and Ethan Ennis both left for Peterborough and Stockport County with 50 per cent clauses attached. United might be letting youngsters go, but they are refusing to walk away empty-handed if those players kick on elsewhere.

For Michael Carrick, the timing is useful. The incoming funds, however modest, arrive in the final stretch of the window, with the Middlesbrough manager still hunting late deals to sharpen his squad.

"I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad," Carrick 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."

United, for their part, now have limited time to turn this unexpected boost into concrete business. The club are expected to stay active right up to the deadline, weighing permanent moves and loans as they look to address the remaining holes in Erik ten Hag’s squad.

Kambwala, meanwhile, heads for a fresh start. He is due in Italy to undergo his medical and finalise personal terms before pulling on a Como shirt in Serie A – a move that could reshape his career, and quietly, once again, Manchester United’s balance sheet.