Manchester United Set for Transfer Boost as Kambwala Nears Como Move
Manchester United are set for an unexpected cash injection from Italy, with former defender Willy Kambwala closing in on a move to Como that will trigger a sell-on clause agreed when he left Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old centre-back is in advanced talks over a switch from Villarreal to Serie A newcomers Como, who are poised to beat Osasuna to his signature. United will not receive a headline-grabbing sum, but they stand to profit thanks to what club sources previously described as a “sizeable” sell-on clause.
United inserted that clause when Kambwala left for Villarreal in 2024, two years after making his senior debut at 19. The Spanish side paid an initial €5.5 million (£4.7m) plus up to €6m (£5.14m) in add-ons, with United also negotiating a buy-back option and matching rights for three years.
The next move will not bring in anything close to those numbers for Villarreal, which naturally caps United’s windfall. Even so, the deal underlines a clear shift in how the club now operate in the market.
Clauses become the norm under Ineos
United occasionally protected themselves with sell-on clauses in the past, but since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment and Ineos taking control of football operations, those mechanisms have become standard.
They are no longer add-ons. They are policy.
Tyler Fredricson’s move to Lausanne-Sport included a “high percentage” sell-on and a buy-back option. Radek Vitek’s transfer to Middlesbrough came with a similar structure: buy-back, matching rights and a sell-on clause that could reach up to 35 per cent of any future sale.
The trend has only hardened this summer. Ethan Williams joined Peterborough last week with United retaining a 50 per cent sell-on clause, plus buy-back and matching rights. Ethan Ennis’ permanent switch to Stockport County carried the same 50 per cent sell-on, again tied to buy-back and matching rights.
United are effectively turning outgoing academy and fringe deals into long-term financial levers, keeping a hand on the wheel even after players move on.
Carrick eyes late-window opportunities
All of this matters because United still want to strengthen before the window shuts. Every extra pound counts.
Michael Carrick made that clear as he spoke about the final days of the market.
“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 seals his move to Como as expected, United will quietly bank another return from a decision made two years ago. In a window where margins are tight and spending is scrutinised, those quiet returns could end up deciding what business they can still get over the line.
