MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 07: Willy Kambwala of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on April 07, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Villarreal are in advanced talks to sign Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala for a fee in the region of £8.5million.
The former France youth international has made 10 appearances for United’s first-team since joining the club from Sochaux back in 2020. Kambwala’s Old Trafford deal is due to run until the summer of 2025 and while United looked into extending his stay, the 19-year-old is understood to have rebuffed an offer to extend his contract.
Now Spanish outfit Villarreal look ready to pounce and the two clubs continue discussions over a transfer which could also include a sell-on clause for United.
The teenager made his United debut in December 2023 when he started in a 2-0 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium. Kambwala was then cast back into first-team action in April amid a defensive crisis when he starred in a 2-2 draw against rivals Liverpool.
He won 100 per cent of his duels and quickly won over the hearts of United supporters with his passion, commitment, tackles and aerial prowess.
However, with United now planning to bring in at least two central defenders in the summer transfer window, it’s clear Kambwala will be short of minutes moving forward.
The Red Devils have already made two unsuccessful bids for top target Jarrad Branthwaite while they also had an offer accepted for Lille’s Yeny Loro. Loro is holding out for Real Madrid though and that has seen United switch attention to Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
Talks are progressing between the two clubs and the Dutchman wants to join international team-mate Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford following Holland’s Euro 2024 exit.
