Kambwala completes move to Spain

Kambwala leaves United and joins Villarreal

Monday 15 July 2024 10:30

Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala has agreed to join Villarreal on a permanent transfer, bringing to a close almost four years as a Red.

The popular defender, beloved for his passion and enthusiasm in the heat of battle, departs Old Trafford after making 10 first-team appearances.

Kambwala joined the club in October 2020 from French Ligue 2 club Sochaux, and played his first game clad in Red for our Under-18s, during an impressive win over Derby County.

Injuries issue plagued him during the following season, 2021/22, but Willy continued to impress when he made it onto the pitch.

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After a successful 2022/23 campaign, he was selected in the first-team matchday squad for the very first time on 17 December 2023, as United fought to a 0-0 draw at Anfield.

Less than a week later, aged 19, he made his senior debut, starting alongside Jonny Evans in the heart of our defence away at West Ham.

It was the first in a series of opportunities for the centre-back, perhaps the most notable of which was a start in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Liverpool in early April.

In a frantic match that threatened to reach the crazy heights of the famous FA Cup quarter-final against the same opponents just weeks before, Kambwala delivered a performance of huge personality and grit.

That was clearly reflected in the Man of the Match poll on ManUtd.com and the United App, where fans voted Willy third, behind only goalscorers Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

His final performance of the season came in the league match with Arsenal in May, and he was selected as one of the substitutes in the memorable Emirates FA Cup final triumph against Manchester City which closed 2023/24.

Willy leaves with the sincere thanks of everyone at Manchester United, and our very best wishes for the next chapter of his career.

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