Manchester United's sell-on clause set to earn windfall as Kambwala nears Como move

Manchester United are poised to collect a sell-on fee from the imminent departure of Willy Kambwala from Villarreal, with the 21-year-old centre-back in advanced talks to join Italian side Como before the summer transfer window closes.

Kambwala left Old Trafford in 2024 when Villarreal paid an initial €5.5 million (£4.7m), with up to €6 million (£5.14m) in add-ons. Crucially, United negotiated a buy-back option, matching rights, and what club sources described as a “sizeable” sell-on clause into that agreement. Como are understood to have edged ahead of Spanish club Osasuna in the race for his signature, though Villarreal are only expected to command a modest fee — which will limit, but not eliminate, United’s windfall.

The Kambwala clause is part of a broader shift in how United structure outgoing transfers since INEOS took charge of football operations under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Where such protections were previously used selectively, they are now standard practice across player sales at every level of the squad.

The policy is evident throughout recent deals. United inserted a “high percentage” sell-on clause and buyback option into the sale of Tyler Fredricson to Lausanne-Sport, and comparable terms into the sale of Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough — including matching rights and a sell-on clause of up to 35 per cent. Ethan Williams joined Peterborough last week under a deal that included a 50 per cent sell-on clause alongside buyback and matching rights, while Ethan Ennis completed a permanent move to Stockport County this week on identical terms.

The accumulation of these clauses reflects a longer-term financial strategy: even if United cannot command premium fees for fringe and academy players now, they retain a stake in any future value those players generate.

Manager Michael Carrick confirmed the club are still looking to add to the squad before the window shuts. “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. 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.”