Villarreal set to hand Manchester United transfer windfall

Manchester United could receive a useful transfer windfall from Villarreal at a time when every extra source of income could help shape the final stages of the summer window.

United are closing in on Carlos Baleba.

He is expected to become Michael Carrick’s third major midfield addition after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Once that deal is completed, attention is expected to turn towards other areas of the squad, particularly left-back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, United also made contact over Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde.

Raising additional funds could therefore be important if United decide to make another substantial move before the deadline.

The club could now benefit from a clause inserted into the sale of one of their former players, with Villarreal preparing to sanction another transfer.

According to Manchester Evening News, United are set to receive a percentage of the fee when Willy Kambwala leaves Villarreal.

Como are reportedly in pole position to sign the 21-year-old centre-back, although Osasuna have also shown interest.

United sold Kambwala to Villarreal in 2024 after the Spanish club agreed a package worth €5.5 million plus €6 million in potential add-ons.

The deal also included matching rights, a buy-back option and what United sources described as a “sizeable” sell-on clause.

The final payment to Old Trafford is not expected to be huge because Villarreal are not anticipated to receive a major fee for the defender.

Willy Kambwala originally joined United’s academy from Sochaux in 2020 before making his senior debut against West Ham United in December 2023.

He went on to make 10 first-team appearances across all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign and was part of the squad that won the FA Cup.

After moving to Villarreal, Kambwala made 21 La Liga appearances in his first season before featuring more sparingly during the following campaign.

If the proposed move to Como is completed, United will now receive another financial return from  a player they sold two years ago.