Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Chelsea will be licking their wounds from the Lamine Camara fiasco for some time after deadline-day’s bizarre saga, and now they might not get the chance to ever sign the midfielder.
It was on, then it was off, then it was on again, then Monaco pulled the plug. In the final knockings of deadline day, it looked as if Camara would join for £47m, with Monaco needing one big sale this summer.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Folarin Balogun and Everton then resurrected their move after medical complications, and it saw sporting director Thiago Scuro pull the plug on Camara’s move. Then, typically, Balogun rejected his Everton move.
It sees Monaco with a €50m hole in their finances, and Scuro’s position on the line. But for Scuro could end up saving his job, as Monaco are set to enter post-window talks over a potential Camara sale.
READ MORE: Why Camara’s move failed, and the phone call made Liverpool made on Tuesday
Lamine Camara could end up moving to Turkey before Friday
Any hopes of Chelsea returning for a move in January could well be over. If the relationship breakdown between Monaco and Chelsea was not too big an obstacle to overcome, then Fenerbahce could be.
Belgium v Senegal - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32
Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images
According to reports from Turkey, notably journalist Ugur Ozturk, Fenerbahce are ‘making efforts’ to sign Camara from Monaco. The Turkish window comes to a close on Friday, giving Monaco a second chance.
The Turkish SuperLig has already wielded its growing financial power this summer. Now, Camara may join that ride: “Fenerbahçe is making efforts for Lamine Camara, whose transfer to Chelsea was cancelled.”
Lamine Camara could form a partnership with N’Golo Kante
Camara’s lung-busting stamina, his ability to cover two roles and every blade of grass, has seen him likened to Kante over the years. Now, he could become Kante’s partner in Fenerbahce’s new midfield.
It will also see Camara combine with former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who is a new signing with the Turkish giants. Fenerbahce have already spent the best part of £100m on new signings this summer.
Now, they could move towards the £150m mark with the signing of Camara. But the point is, Fenerbahce have shown they have money to spend and interest in the midfielder could well end Chelsea’s chances.