Filipe Luis hails Lamine Camara as ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’

Filipe Luis has described Lamine Camara as “probably one of the best midfielders in the world” and made clear he wants the Senegal international to remain at AS Monaco this summer.

The new Monaco manager made the comments after his side’s 3-2 friendly victory at Liverpool. The praise offers a strong indication that the 22-year-old, who had initially appeared to be among the players Monaco could sell during the transfer window, is central to Luis’ plans.

“We are probably talking about one of the best midfielders in the world,” said the former Atletico de Madrid defender, who won 44 caps for Brazil before ending his international career in 2019.

Luis went on to outline the qualities that have made Camara such an important player for Monaco.

“He has that quality on the ball, covers a lot of ground, he is really top,” the Brazilian added.

The coach also suggested that Camara would have a leading role in his system and expressed hope that the midfielder would stay in the Principality.

“He will have a key role in my system of play. I hope he stays. I think he is happy at Monaco.”

Luis’ comments come amid uncertainty over Camara’s future. Monaco had reportedly rejected an initial offer for the player, potentially from Crystal Palace, while Liverpool and Manchester United were also understood to be monitoring his situation.

However, the club’s position has changed after several sales were completed, including the departures of Maghnes Akliouche and Aladji Bamba. Monaco are therefore no longer under the same pressure to part with their Senegalese midfielder.

Camara’s market value is estimated at about 40 million euros, although Monaco would reportedly demand more than 60 million euros before considering a transfer.

His development since arriving in European football has been rapid. Camara was trained by Generation Foot before making his name at Metz, and he soon established himself as a key figure after moving to Monaco.

Across three seasons, he has made 84 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists. His most recent campaign was disrupted by an ankle sprain, restricting him to 24 league appearances, but the injury did not reduce his importance to the Monaco team.

Camara has also twice been named Africa’s best young player, receiving the award in 2023 and again in 2024. At 22, he retains considerable scope for further improvement, while Luis’ early endorsement suggests Monaco regard him as a player around whom the team can be built.

For a club that once appeared ready to consider selling him, keeping Camara may now represent a deliberate sporting decision rather than a failure to secure a suitable offer.