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After witnessing the dismal displays at the back first-hand last season, INEOS have prioritised improving Manchester United’s backline ahead of the new campaign.
The Red Devils are currently locked in talks with as many as three centre-backs — Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich, Lille’s Leny Yoro, and Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 20-time English league champions’ stance of being open to recruiting more than one defender meant one academy graduate was forced to seek pastures new this window.
United officially announced that breakthrough defensive star from last term, Willy Kambwala has sealed a move to familiar foes Villarreal.
Kambwala leaves
“Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala has agreed to join Villarreal on a permanent transfer, bringing to a close almost four years as a Red.
“The popular defender, beloved for his passion and enthusiasm in the heat of battle, departs Old Trafford after making 10 first-team appearances.”
United agreed to sell the 19-year-old for €10 million and even included a buy-back option while also negotiating a sizeable share of any sell-on fee for the French centre-back.
Fans were disappointed to learn of the former Sochaux defender’s move considering he had professed his love for the club and how it was always his dream to play at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Manchester Evenings News have claimed that the France U20 international did not want to leave and had a chat with Erik ten Hag about his future.
It is then that the manager told him clearly that he figures quite low in the centre-back pecking order for the upcoming season.
Why he left
Kambwala, who had played 10 times last season including three starts in the Premier League, then rejected United’s contract extension offer and chose to move away.
“Kambwala, 19, is understood to have been reluctant to leave until he was informed by manager Erik ten Hag he would be way down the pecking order of centre backs. United sources say Kambwala also rejected the offer of a new contract.”
His current deal was ending in 2025 and instead of agreeing an extension and heading out on loan, the academy graduate chose to move to La Liga.
His minutes would have reduced considering United’s plans but whether this was the right decision from both sides remains to be seen.
The buyback clause is a huge bonus, and hopefully, Kambwala’s injury troubles become a thing of the past and he can keep improving at his new home.
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