Villarreal CF have loaned centre-back Willy Kambwala to Serie A side Como 1907. The deal, confirmed on Wednesday morning as reported by sports.yahoo.com, is a loan until the end of the 2026/27 season with an obligation for the Italian club to buy for €10m.
Kambwala, born in 2001, joined the Yellow Submarine from Manchester United in January 2025. Villarreal paid an initial €5.5m fee at that time, with a total package that could rise to €11.5m. His departure comes with the club sitting 15th in La Liga, on 2 points from three games with a record of 0 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss.
What does this move mean for Villarreal?
Kambwala's exit trims the first-team squad during the transfer window. The French defender was the club's seventh new signing this summer but failed to secure a regular spot at the heart of the defence. His departure frees up wage budget and a squad place, at a time when the team needs to tighten up after conceding 5 goals in their opening three league matches.
Villarreal's current context, trailing leaders Barcelona by 7 points, demands immediate results. The team needs points in their next fixture, a home match against Deportivo La Coruna on September 5th. Fans can track the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
What is Kambwala's background?
Willy Kambwala spent four years developing in Manchester United's academy system. He made 10 first-team appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, 8 of those in the Premier League during the 2023-24 season. His move to Villarreal CF generated expectation, but his adaptation to La Liga did not go as planned.
If Como trigger the purchase option, Kambwala will sign a contract with the Italian side until the summer of 2031. This clause represents a potential capital gain for Villarreal, who would recoup much of their initial investment.
What did Como's head coach say?
Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como 1907, voiced his enthusiasm for the signing. "Willy is a young defender with strong qualities," Fabregas said. "He is quick, powerful and comfortable defending space, but he also has the character and desire to keep improving."
The player himself expressed his happiness at joining his new club. "I'm extremely happy to be here, at this great club and in this beautiful city," Kambwala stated. His move to Italy opens a new chapter after a brief spell in Spain.
Villarreal's squad, which you can view on our squad page, is reshaping for a key period of the season. The team aims to correct its course after a shaky start that has seen them score 4 and concede 5. The next challenge is Deportivo La Coruna at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
