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Former Manchester United prospect Willy Kambwala is on the verge of sealing a season-long loan move from Villarreal to Serie A club Como. The French-Congolese centre-back has opted for a move to Italy instead of a proposed transfer to Osasuna as he looks for consistent first-team football.

Securing a fresh start in Italy

As per Diario AS, Villarreal central defender Willy Kambwala is preparing to complete a season-long loan switch to Serie A side Como. The French-Congolese defender is leaving the Spanish club in a bid to get regular game time after falling down the defensive pecking order under manager Iñigo Pérez, who considered him the fifth-choice centre-back in the squad. Kambwala had initially come close to completing a move to Osasuna in Pamplona, but a late approach from the Italian club persuaded the youngster to change course and head to Serie A instead.

Terms of the Como agreement

Under the financial terms of the arrangement, Como will take on the defender’s entire salary and also cover the amortisation of his transfer fee, which is valued at roughly one million euros. In addition, the Italian side will have a non-compulsory option to buy him permanently for €10 million in the future if they decide to do so. Kambwala had joined Villarreal from Manchester United for a fixed fee of €5 million plus add-ons as a long-term investment, but his progress was badly affected last season.

Overcoming injury setbacks in Spain

Kambwala’s development in Castellón was interrupted after he missed most of the 2025–26 campaign because of a serious tear in his left hamstring, restricting him to only two appearances throughout the season. Even before his move to Spain, the former Manchester United youngster had already dealt with significant fitness issues, including an eleven-month spell on the sidelines shortly after arriving at the Red Devils from Sochaux in October 2020. In spite of those setbacks, the former youth international — who notably made his senior Premier League debut under Erik ten Hag against West Ham United — is still regarded as a highly promising talent.

Looking ahead to Serie A action

With his medical tests and contract formalities now in progress, Kambwala is now focused on reigniting his promising career in Italian football. The physically strong centre-back will look to make an impression in Serie A and secure important playing time under his new coaching staff. Como, meanwhile, will be hoping the young defender can finally move past his injury problems and add dependable strength to their defence for the rest of the campaign.