Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images
Just when it was back on, it was off again. The summer transfer window ended without an agreement between Monaco and Chelsea for midfielder Lamine Camara, just when it looked like it would happen.
In one of the most bizarre transfer sagas in recent history, Camara was joining Chelsea only for Monaco to scrap the deal at the last moment. Going into deadline day, Roma’s Manu Kone looked more likely.
But talks for Camara began again, and what followed was an incredible turn of events that has eventually led to Monaco throwing an agreed deal in the bin. In the final moments, Chelsea agreed a £47m fee.
Chelsea had a written agreement from Monaco, but Camara’s move to Stamford Bridge was directly tied to Monaco needing a big sale and Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton. Monaco then pulled the plug.
It is believed that Monaco felt Balogun was going to Everton, and it allowed them to block a move for Camara, but neither have gone through. Amid all that, Monaco also received a call from Liverpool.
Liverpool’s call to Monaco may have played role in Camara block
According to Ben Jacobs, Monaco decided to block Camara’s move with the belief Balogun was joining Everton. Of course, it has emerged that Balogun has turned down a move to Everton at the last minute.
It has backfired on Monaco, who have failed to sell either player when one sale was required. Jacobs also reveals that Liverpool gave a call to Monaco and to Camara’s camp, presenting their interest for 2027.
Liverpool FC v AS Monaco - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Lewis Storey – Danehouse/Getty Images
“Liverpool made a call this evening, and more than one I am told, to say to the camp of Camara, ‘wait’. To say to Monaco, ‘wait’. Liverpool don’t want Camara now; they didn’t explore it. Alexis Mac Allister is there.
“We are not saying Liverpool interfered in the deal with Chelsea, but Liverpool said, ‘if you don’t get your move, we will be back for you in 2027’. That is a factor, because Monaco feel they can get €70m [£60m].
“Monaco told Chelsea all day the price was €70m [£60m]. They needed a sale, and without the Balogun money, Monaco felt they had to reduce it. Believing they would sell Balogun, Monaco have dug in.”
What are Chelsea left in midfield without Camara and Fernandez?
With Fernandez sold to Man City and Camara remaining at Monaco, while Andrey Santos left for Man United and Dario Essugo joined Strasbourg, Chelsea are left thin in the middle of the park ahead of 26-27.
Moises Caicedo is injured again after coming on against Brighton. Jordan Henderson is still recovering from the arm injury suffered at the World Cup. Valentin Barco is yet to start a Premier League game.
Reece James is no stranger to injury, and Romeo Lavia is yet to complete 90 minutes competitively for Chelsea. With just one game a week and no Europe, it might be alright. But it is a big risk for Chelsea.