LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have been credited with interest in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, who was subject of an unsuccessful bid from Crystal Palace earlier this week.
Camara stood out as part of the Monaco side to win 3-2 at Anfield on Sunday, which may have enhanced his reputation among Liverpool’s decision-makers.
The 22-year-old was named as one of three midfielders on the club’s radar earlier in the summer, along with Palace’s Adam Wharton and then-Lens player Mamadou Sangare.
Sangare has since joined Brentford, and despite Curtis Jones edging closer to a move to Inter Milan, there is no guarantee Liverpool will sign a replacement.
Palace are looking to hold on to Wharton and could pair him in midfield with Camara, with BBC Sport reporting an initial offer of around £35 million.
Palace bid rejected – could Liverpool move for Camara?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz (R) is challenged by Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz (R) is challenged by Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Monaco turned that bid down but Palace could return with an improved package, though the fee offered would have made him the second-biggest signing in the club’s history.
Only last summer’s deal for Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves for an initial £43 million rising to £48 million, would eclipse the £35 million proposed.
If Palace deliberate on the situation it could open Camara up to bids from elsewhere, with Chelsea, Newcastle, Man United, Brighton and Nottingham Forest also listed as suitors along with Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There is an argument that Liverpool should aim to cut out the middle man and push for a deal for the Senegal international, as they often prefer a player to prove themselves at a higher level only to then pay significantly more.
But as Andoni Iraola will find with the step up from Bournemouth, there is less margin for error when it comes to signings at Anfield and expectations are considerably higher.
Nevertheless, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch already established in midfield, Trey Nyoni presenting a high-potential option and Wataru Endo available as experienced cover, Camara could still fit into the squad.
Would Lamine Camara fit in at Liverpool?
Camara is a remarkably well-rounded midfielder, as though he is nominally a No. 6 he is very adept at bringing the ball forward, creating chances and testing the goalkeeper from range.
Per FotMob, he ranks highly in terms of defensive contributions, touches and chances created, as well as strongly in shot attempts and goals for players in his position.
His main flaw comes with his lack of aerial ability, standing at 5’8″ – but as Liverpool found out on Sunday, he is certainly not lacking in aggression.
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Football – UEFA Champions League – League Phase – Manchester City FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Football – UEFA Champions League – League Phase – Manchester City FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen