verpool have reportedly been presented with the opportunity to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco before the summer transfer window closes on September 1. Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Monaco have offered the Senegal international to both Liverpool and Chelsea as a potential late-window deal.
Camara has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time. The 22-year-old midfielder was previously identified as a player the club had monitored, while Monaco have been preparing for the possibility of losing him by looking for potential midfield replacements.
Chelsea are currently pushing
Chelsea appear to be further along in the situation. Their interest has intensified because of uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernández, with Manchester City reportedly interested in the Argentine midfielder.
Chelsea are therefore considering Camara as a possible replacement, and reports indicate that negotiations with Monaco have now moved beyond a simple enquiry.
There are also reports that Chelsea could be targeting a fee of around £51m–£55m, although the exact valuation remains uncertain. Monaco have previously rejected a bid from Crystal Palace and are believed to want around €60m (£51.4m) for Camara.
Why Liverpool are interested
Camara could solve an obvious issue in Liverpool’s midfield. His game combines defensive work with ability on the ball.
During the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, he ranked highly for duels won, recoveries, defensive contributions and possession wins, while also producing strong numbers for chances created and expected assists.
That profile could appeal to Andoni Iraola, particularly because Liverpool have been criticised for lacking a naturally defensive-minded midfielder.
The concern is that Liverpool have other priorities. Reports suggest the club’s preferred midfield target is Manu Koné from Roma, although Roma are reportedly reluctant to sell him.
Could Liverpool hijack the deal?
That’s the big question.
Liverpool have been presented with Camara as an opportunity, but there is currently no indication that the Reds have made a formal bid. Chelsea appear to have taken the more concrete steps, while Liverpool are weighing up their remaining budget and other positions they need to strengthen.
The timing is also important. With the transfer deadline approaching on September 1, Liverpool would have very little time to negotiate a deal if they decided Camara should become a priority.
In short: Monaco have put Camara on the table for Liverpool and Chelsea, Chelsea are actively exploring a deal, and Liverpool remain interested but have not yet made the decisive move. A late Liverpool swoop is therefore possible, but at this stage it is not a done deal or a confirmed Liverpool bid.
Reported price
* Player: Lamine Camara
* Club: AS Monaco
* Age: 22
* Position: Midfielder
* Nationality: Senegal
* Reported valuation: around £43m–£51m, with some reports putting Monaco’s desired figure at approximately £51.4m/€60m.
* Main competition: Chelsea
* Previous rejected bid: Crystal Palace reportedly had a bid rejected.
