Monaco want to keep Lamine Camara despite growing transfer interest

AS Monaco have made it clear they do not want to lose Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara this summer, with the French club reportedly demanding more than €60m for the 22-year-old.

Camara, who is under contract with Monaco until 2029, has attracted interest from several clubs after two successful seasons with the Ligue 1 side. Crystal Palace are believed to have made an offer that Monaco rejected, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation.

The former Metz midfielder has become an important part of Monaco’s squad since joining the club. His current valuation is around €40m, but Monaco are not under pressure to sell and are understood to want a significantly higher fee.

Camara started Sunday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, having also featured against Getafe three days earlier. He partnered Pape Cabral in midfield and completed 64 minutes against the English side after playing the first half in the previous friendly.

His performances have strengthened the view within Monaco that he remains a key player for the team. However, interest from leading European clubs has made his future less certain than it appeared earlier in the summer.

According to Foot Mercato, Monaco have already turned down an offer for the versatile midfielder. The identity of the club behind the bid has not been confirmed, although Crystal Palace have been mentioned as a possible source.

Liverpool and Manchester United are also reportedly keeping track of the situation.

Monaco’s position has been influenced by activity elsewhere in the squad. The departure of Aladji Bamba to Newcastle for €36m has contributed to a significant summer of sales for the club.

The French side have also sold Henrique for €11m, Ouattara for €8m and Akliouche for €50m, bringing their reported income from those transfers to €105m. Another major deal involving Folarin Balogun could also be completed.

Despite the transfer activity, Monaco coach Filipe Luis has made his preference clear. Following the victory at Liverpool, he said he wanted Camara to remain at the club.

“We discuss the squad, the transfer market, what’s happening, and the offers that are coming in every day. We want to build a truly competitive team. I’m very selfish and I want to keep all the players . I don’t want anyone to leave,” explained the Monaco coach.

“But I know that clubs have to make sales, which we have done. I hope we can keep him. He’s probably one of the best midfielders in the world. I don’t want to say too much, because I know that many clubs are interested in him.

We all want him to stay. He’s really important to me. He’s very gifted with the ball at his feet, he covers a lot of ground.” He’s an exceptional player. I’m really pleased with him.

Luis was then asked whether he still expected Camara to remain in Monaco. The Brazilian coach responded with a clear expression of hope.

“Yes, of course I have hope. I have every hope that he stays. I think he’s happy in Monaco. If he stays, he’ll be able to work even harder. Because he’s going to play, as I said, a key role in my system of play.”

For now, Monaco’s stance appears firm. With Camara tied to the club until 2029, the French side can afford to wait for an offer that matches their valuation.

The midfielder’s future could therefore depend on whether one of the interested clubs is prepared to meet Monaco’s demands. Until then, Luis and the club’s supporters will hope the Senegal international remains at the heart of the team for another season.