Mady Camara is emerging as a key name in this summer’s transfer window following a standout season in Greece, with former Guinean international Kanfory Sylla backing a potential move to Ligue 1 side Lille as the “ideal” next step.
The 27-year-old midfielder has enjoyed the most prolific campaign of his European career at PAOK Salonika, scoring 10 goals in all competitions, nine of those in the Greek Super League, making him the club’s top scorer this season.
His dynamic performances in midfield have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.
Among the suitors reportedly tracking the Guinean are Greek rivals Olympiakos and AEK Athens, as well as French side Lille and Italian club Fiorentina.
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are also believed to be monitoring his situation, according to reports from Africafoot. Camara’s market value is currently estimated at €7 million, a reflection of his rising stock.
Speaking to Africafoot, Kanfory Sylla, a former captain of the Guinea national team, praised Camara’s transformation at PAOK and suggested now might be the right time for the player to embrace a new challenge.
“Mady deserves everything coming his way,” Sylla said. “He’s put in the work and had a fantastic season. He understands the Greek league well, having spent several seasons with Olympiakos, and he’s used that knowledge to elevate his performance at PAOK.
If he feels ready, I’d advise him to try a new league. But if he’s happy in Greece, there’s no harm in continuing to thrive there.”
Sylla, however, highlighted Ligue 1 as a particularly suitable destination for Camara, citing the physical demands and tempo of French football as a perfect match for the midfielder’s attributes.
He singled out Lille OSC, who have qualified for next season’s UEFA Europa League, as a club that could benefit significantly from the Guinean’s blend of experience, intensity, and technical quality.
“Ligue 1 is a demanding league, high pace, physically intense,” Sylla explained. “Mady’s game is built on stamina, physical presence in duels, and his ability to repeat high-effort runs.
He’s not unfamiliar with French football either, having started his European career in Ligue 2 with Ajaccio. Add to that his exposure to continental football with Olympiakos and Roma, and you have a player well-prepared for the demands of a league like this.”
Camara’s current contract with PAOK runs until 2027, which means any potential move would require significant negotiations. Still, with his profile continuing to rise and interest mounting from across multiple leagues, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in the transfer market for Guinean players this summer.
Wherever Camara ends up, the next few months will be critical in determining the future path of a player who has proven this season that he has both the form and experience to take the next leap in his career. For now, clubs across Europe and especially in Ligue 1 will be watching closely.
