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Como have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala from Villarreal.

United sealed Kambwala’s arrival on deadline day in October 2020, with the centre-back one of several overseas under-18 players brought in during the final transfer window before Brexit-related rules restricted such deals.

A lifelong United supporter who had visited Old Trafford years earlier, Kambwala progressed impressively through the club’s youth system despite injuries that occasionally slowed his development.

The teenager was first included in a senior matchday squad for the 0–0 draw against Liverpool in December 2023, and his debut followed soon after. That first appearance came in a 2–0 loss to West Ham, where Kambwala started alongside Jonny Evans in the heart of United’s defence.

Kambwala made 10 appearances for United, with eight of those coming in the Premier League.

He left for Villarreal in July 2024 for an initial fee of €5.5 million after turning down a new contract while having just one year remaining on his existing deal. United also included a three-year buy-back clause, matching rights and a sell-on percentage in the agreement.

A report previously covered by The Peoples Person had revealed Como’s interest in Kambwala, a move that was especially relevant to United because of the sell-on clause attached to his Villarreal transfer.

Como have now announced that he has joined the club on an initial loan, with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Kambwala said, “I’m very happy to be here, at this great club and in this magnificent city. I can feel the club’s ambition and now I can’t wait to get to work.”

“My mentality is to never give up, and I’ll do everything I can to make both the club and the fans proud.”

Como manager Cesc Fabregas said, “Willy is a young defender with great qualities. He’s quick, physically strong, and comfortable defending space, but he also has the personality and desire to continue improving.”

“He has already played in England and Spain, and we believe our environment can help him take another step forward. We’re very happy to have him here at Como.”

Kambwala was also part of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United squad that won the FA Cup in 2024.