Official: Como sign ex-Manchester United defender Kambwala from Villarreal
Quick summary
Como have completed the signing of French defender Willy Kambwala from Villarreal. The centre-back previously spent time at Manchester United's academy and first team before moving to Spain.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFormer Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala has officially joined Serie A side Como on loan with an option to buy from Villarreal, the clubs have confirmed on Wednesday morning.
Official: Kambwala joins Como on loan with option to buy from Villarreal “Como is pleased to announce the signing of central defender Willy Kambwala from Villarreal CF on loan until the end of the 2026/27 season, with an option to make the move permanent,” read a statement on the Como website.
Reports in Italy indicate that Como will have an option to make Kamwala’s transfer permanent at a cost of €10m and that he will sign a contract until the summer of 2031 in the event that his move is extended.
MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 25: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid and Willy Kambwala of Villarreal CF compete for a header during the La Liga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on January 25, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “I’m extremely happy to be here, at this great club and in this beautiful city,” said Kambwala upon his signing for Como.
“I can feel the ambition of this environment, now I can’t wait to start working. My mindset is to never give up and I will do everything to make the club and the fans proud.”
Head coach Cesc Fabregas added: “Willy is a young defender with strong qualities. He is quick, powerful and comfortable defending space, but he also has the character and desire to keep improving.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas coach of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) “He has already experienced football in England and Spain, and we believe our environment can help him take another important step. We are very happy to welcome him to Como.”
Kambwala spent time on the books of French sides Les Ulis and Sochaux as a teenager before joining the Manchester United youth set-up in 2020.
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) He spent four years on Untied’s books and would go on to make 10 appearances across all competitions, including eight in the Premier League under former head coach Erik ten Hag during the 2023-24 season.
He was then allowed to join Villarreal at the end of that season, with reports at the time claiming that the Yellow Submarine had agreed to pay an initial fee of €5.5m in a total package that could rise to €11.5m.
Kambwala becomes Como’s seventh new signing of the summer transfer window following the previous arrivals of Trevoh Chalobah, Mattia Liberali, Luis Milla, Yan Couto, Andres Cuenca and Kaiki.
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What happened
Serie A side Como have officially completed the signing of Willy Kambwala from Villarreal. The 21-year-old French centre-back came through Manchester United's academy and made appearances for the first team before departing for Villarreal. He now makes the move to Italy to join Como, who are building an ambitious project under their ownership. The transfer is a straightforward permanent deal between the two clubs.
Chance analysis
Como continue to build a young, ambitious squad with the capture of Willy Kambwala, a physically imposing centre-back who gained senior experience at both Manchester United and Villarreal. The French defender adds depth and upside to Como's backline, bringing Premier League and La Liga exposure at a young age. For a club still establishing itself in Serie A, acquiring a player with top-level pedigree on a permanent deal represents a smart piece of recruitment.
Como's defensive depth improves with the addition of a young, experienced centre-back; minor boost to squad quality for upcoming Serie A matches.