Willy Kambwala, once hailed as a promising defensive talent at Manchester United, is now making waves in La Liga with Villarreal CF, and could be playing Champions League football soon. The 19-year-old French centre-back, who helped United lift the FA Cup last season, was sold last summer in a surprise transfer deal that drew numerous neutral supporters and pundits—especially considering the potential he's now tapping into in Spain.
Manchester United's Transfer Shock: Kambwala to Villarreal
Kambwala's summer transfer to Villarreal in 2024 came as a shock. The €11.5 million transfer—€5.5 million up front with a buy-back clause and a sell-on percentage—proved that United still thought there was long-term value in the talented centre-half. But then, with the club keen to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), it was financially sensible at the time for him to depart.
Following a slow start due to injuries, Kambwala has emerged as a key player in Villarreal's resurgence. Since making his first La Liga start in December—though having his debut cut short by a red card—he's been a regular starter. Fourteen of his 16 league appearances have come since mid-January, taking Villarreal into fifth place with just three games left.
Champions League Football Within Reach
Villarreal are now pole-position to qualify for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, with a three-point lead over Real Betis for the final spot. At least, they've secured Europa League qualification, but Champions League football would be a massive achievement for the club as well as for Kambwala.
Willy Kambwala's Redemption Story
For Kambwala, there's a powerful return narrative. Speaking in March, he shared his impressions of life in Spain:
"Coming here is the best decision for me and for my career. I want to keep training, playing, and doing well. I'm very happy here."
He also compared the tactical nuances between Premier League football and La Liga:
"In the Premier League, it's direct one-on-one and physical fights. In Spain, there is more attention on playing with the team, position-wise, and possessing the ball."
Kambwala will probably be named in Villarreal's high-pressure clash against Barcelona this weekend, a testament to how far he has traveled in less than a year.
What Would Ruben Amorim Think?
Had Ruben Amorim been appointed as the manager earlier, then Kambwala would have stayed at Manchester United. Renowned for trusting young players, Amorim's recent elevation of academy stars like Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi suggests that Kambwala would have been given valuable opportunities had he stayed.
Signed in October 2020 from Sochaux for €4 million, Kambwala was unfortunate with early injuries in his United career, playing fewer than 30 games for the U18, U19, and U21 teams. But he made his mark with the first team last season, playing the final four matches, including the FA Cup Final victory over Manchester City.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity for Manchester United?
Kambwala's sudden rise in La Liga and potential Champions League debut puts into perspective what Manchester United might have lacked. Though the financial gain helped in PSR compliance, the development of the defender at Villarreal CF proves he could have been a valuable asset under the leadership of Ruben Amorim.
With United rebuilding now under Amorim and believing in the youth, Kambwala's success story in Spain comes as a wake-up call regarding the narrow margins in today's football transfer decisions.
