Man Utd decides to sell first-team defender in unexpected transfer business

Manchester United’s young defender, Willy Kambwala, is on the brink of a move to Villarreal in a deal worth around $12.6 million (£9.9m/€11.5m).

The Spanish side will pay an initial $6 million (£4.7m/)€5.5m) for the 19-year-old, with a further $6.55 million (£5.2m/€6m) due in add-ons. United has also secured a buy-back option and a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

Kambwala, who was reportedly hesitant about leaving Old Trafford, was persuaded to make the move after manager Erik ten Hag made it clear he would not be a first-choice centre-back. It’s also understood that Kambwala turned down a new contract offer from United.

The sale of the Frenchman, who joined United from Sochaux for $4.3 million (£3.4m/€4m) at just 16 years old, will represent pure profit for the club. His current contract was set to expire next year.

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Despite being given an improved squad number upon his return to pre-season training this week, Villarreal’s substantial bid has convinced United to let him go, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In other news, United is reportedly looking to bring in three new centre-backs this summer. They’ve already had two bids for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite rejected, while Lille has accepted a €65m offer for Leny Yoro, who has been on Liverpool’s radar.

Additionally, United have reached a verbal agreement over personal terms with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt. Meanwhile, Jonny Evans has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal, but Victor Lindelof could be on his way out as his contract expires next year.

Erik ten Hag clearly wasn’t planning on incorporating Kambwala into Manchester United’s senior side until last year, where calamitous injuries forced his hand. Ten Hag has reportedly declared to a source that given the suggestion of Kambwala playing in his squad during pre-season, he would have labelled them “crazy”.

The young center-back was thrust into action for the Reds during a 2-0 loss against West Ham in December, and also made appearances in the team’s stalemates with Liverpool and Bournemouth. In total, Kambwala featured in ten matches throughout the campaign and managed to pick up an FA Cup winner’s medal when he unexpectedly replaced Casemiro at the last minute on the bench.

Liverpool.com says: Manchester United has had a big clear out defensively, and it is no surprise it is an area they are targeting for reinforcements. That has implications for Liverpool, because both clubs are believed to be interested in Leny Yoro.

The exit of Kambwala is a surprise after he was in the first-team picture last season. But it opens space for a player like Yoro as Manchester United looks to beat Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG to his signature.