United's sell-on clause earns cut as Kambwala closes in on Como move

Manchester United are set to receive a cut of Willy Kambwala’s transfer fee after the former defender edged closer to a move from Villarreal to Serie A side Como, with the Italian club reportedly ahead of Osasuna in the race for his signature.

United included a sell-on clause in the deal when Kambwala left Old Trafford for Villarreal in 2024, a move that cost the Spanish club €5.5m plus up to €6m in add-ons. That agreement also included a buy-back option and matching rights for three years. Sources at United described the sell-on clause as “sizeable” at the time, though the fee Villarreal are expected to receive from Como is not anticipated to be substantial, which will limit the windfall heading back to Manchester.

The Kambwala situation reflects a broader shift in how United structure player sales since INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of football operations. Where protective clauses were only occasionally included in outgoing deals under previous leadership, they have since become standard practice.

The club inserted a “high percentage” sell-on clause and a buyback option into the sale of Tyler Fredricson to Lausanne-Sport, and similar terms were agreed when Radek Vitek moved to Middlesbrough — with that deal including matching rights and a sell-on clause of up to 35 per cent.

More recently, Ethan Williams was sold to Peterborough with a 50 per cent sell-on clause, a buyback option, and matching rights clauses built into the agreement. Ethan Ennis joined Stockport County on a permanent basis on the same terms — a 50 per cent sell-on, plus buyback and matching rights.

The pattern suggests United are increasingly treating the academy pipeline and fringe-player sales as a long-term revenue stream, ensuring the club retains a financial stake in players who may develop significantly after leaving.