Manchester United are working hard to finalise signings and departures as the new Premier League season approaches. Michael Carrick has plans before the Red Devils travel to face Hull City on Saturday, with less than two weeks remaining before transfer deadline day on Tuesday, September 1.
United have tabled a bid worth up to £65m for Brighton star Carlos Baleba, 22. The club are also set to offload talents to bolster the transfer kitty, and may lose some young stars against their will.
Kambwala Departure to Trigger Sell-On Fee
United are poised to receive an unforeseen bonus in the transfer window, with former defender Willy Kambwala all set to depart Villarreal, reports the Mirror. The 21-year-old made 10 appearances for United before joining the Spanish side in 2024.
The Manchester Evening News reports United inserted a "sizeable" sell-on fee when conducting business with Villarreal two years ago. Italian outfit Como are claimed to be frontrunners for Kambwala's signature, while La Liga side Osasuna have also expressed interest.
The circumstances mean United will pocket a modest amount when Kambwala departs Villarreal, as he is unlikely to attract a substantial transfer fee, which limits the sum returning to Old Trafford. The defender has clocked up 23 appearances in total since his United exit, with fitness problems restricting his game time last season.
With United poised to profit from the sell-on clause in Kambwala's agreement, the club have recently incorporated identical terms when offloading academy talents this summer. Tyler Fredricson's transfer to Lausanne-Sport also featured a "high percentage" sell-on fee, with a comparable provision added to Radek Vitek's move to Middlesbrough.
Academy Duo Set for Arsenal Move
United are braced to lose academy hopefuls James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal. Winger Scanlon, 19, spent a portion of last season with Swindon Town, while defender Ogunneye, 20, was on loan at Newport County before returning in January.
The Evening Standard reports Scanlon represents a genuine target for the Gunners, who have concentrated on securing numerous young talents this summer. It is suggested that additional discussions with United are scheduled regarding the Gibraltar international, with personal terms unlikely to present any obstacles. He scored twice in 14 appearances for Swindon last term.
It is also reported Arsenal are nearing a free transfer for Ogunneye, who was allegedly scheduled to have his medical on Thursday, with United holding onto a 40% sell-on clause for the England Under 17s ace. The right-back, who featured in 21 matches on loan in League One last season before his recall in January, is poised to join the Gunners' Under-21 squad and will also be afforded opportunities to train with the senior team.
It follows the Red Devils' capturing two of Arsenal's promising prospects, defender Ayden Heaven and forward Chido Obi, in recent seasons.
