Como signed Willy Kambwala on a season-long loan from Villarreal

Willy Kambwala will spend the 2026-27 season at Como after Villarreal agreed a loan with the Italian club. Como will cover the defender’s wages and the relevant amortisation during the agreement.

The deal includes a purchase option worth 10 million euros. The option is not mandatory, so the final decision will depend on his season in Serie A.

Kambwala leaves Villarreal to gain more playing time

Kambwala made 23 appearances during two seasons with Villarreal. He showed useful physical qualities but did not secure a permanent starting place in the centre of defence. The season at Como can give him a more consistent role. Central defenders benefit from repeated matches because timing and communication improve through real situations. Training alone cannot reproduce every movement of a competitive game.

Como can assess him across a full league season.

Villarreal keeps control of his registration while allowing the player to gain experience in another major European competition.

The agreement limits risk for both clubs

Como will pay the player’s salary and the amortisation connected to the season. That structure reduces Villarreal’s immediate cost while the defender is away. The 10 million euro option gives Como a clear route to a permanent transfer. It does not force the Italian club to buy him. The sporting staff can examine his fitness, adaptation and performance before making that choice.

Villarreal also avoids selling at a fixed lower value before the loan begins. A strong year could improve Kambwala’s position, whether he remains in Italy or returns to Spain.

Kambwala has played senior football in England and Spain

Kambwala played for Manchester United before joining Villarreal. His experience in England and Spain exposed him to different defensive lines, pressing styles and match speeds. Serie A will add another tactical setting. The league includes teams that use wide attacks, direct duels and short build-up play. Kambwala’s exact role will depend on Como’s formation and his central defensive partner.

At his age, the defender still has time to improve his reading of difficult situations. Regular selection would make that development easier to measure.

Como can make a permanent decision after the season

The season-long agreement gives Como time to assess Kambwala’s minutes, fitness and performance. The Italian club can then decide whether to use the reported 10 million euro option. The decision will involve more than tackles or aerial duels. The club will study how he communicates, handles pressure and responds after an error. Consistency is especially important in central defence.

For now, the transfer is temporary. The confirmed terms give every side a clear role, while Kambwala has a full season to make the case for a longer stay in Italy.

Kambwala can play competitive matches throughout the season

Kambwala now has a season in which progress can be measured through selection and performance. Como does not need to make a permanent decision during the first weeks. The defender can first learn the team’s communication and build a partnership with the players beside him. Villarreal can follow those matches and assess whether the move has improved his consistency. The purchase option then gives Como a clear choice after enough evidence has been collected.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas described Kambwala as a quick and powerful defender who is comfortable when protecting space. Those qualities match the basic demands of the role, but the season will test them against different opponents. Kambwala must also learn how Como starts attacks from defence. Clear passing and calm communication will matter alongside tackles, recovery runs and aerial duels.