Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has bid farewell to Willy Kambwala following the confirmation of the young defender’s transfer to Villarreal.
Kambwala, who made his senior debut for United last season in a Premier League match against West Ham, has completed a move to Spain in a deal valued at up to £9.6 million. He amassed eight Premier League appearances and two FA Cup appearances during his time at Old Trafford.
The former Sochaux prospect is the second player to leave United for a fee this summer, following Donny van de Beek’s transfer to Girona for an initial £500,000 plus add-ons, a significant decrease from the £35 million United paid Ajax in 2020.
Mainoo, who played alongside Kambwala in United’s academy and UEFA Youth League, expressed his well-wishes on Kambwala’s Instagram post announcing his departure, writing: “Big love bro, all the best.”
In his farewell message on social media, Kambwala reflected on his journey from the academy to the first team at United, expressing gratitude to coaches, teammates, staff, and supporters. He thanked everyone who had supported him during his four-year tenure at the club and wished United success in the upcoming season and beyond.
United has included a buy-back option and a substantial sell-on clause in Kambwala’s deal with Villarreal. The 19-year-old joins former United player Eric Bailly at his new club, alongside other former Premier League players such as Alexander Sorloth and Juan Foyth.
Several other United academy talents, including Joe Hugill, Dan Gore, Maxi Oyedele, and Ethan Wheatley, also sent their best wishes to Kambwala. Wheatley, who featured for United in their recent pre-season match against Rosenborg, was part of a squad led by manager Erik ten Hag, who criticized the team’s performance despite the inclusion of senior stars like Marcus Rashford and Casemiro alongside younger players.
“The result is not secondary,” said Ten Hag. “Our team performance was well below the standard expected of top-level football. As Manchester United, we should deliver better performances.”
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