Filipe Luis praises ‘exceptional’ Lamine Camara as Chelsea and Liverpool monitor Monaco midfielder

Filipe Luis has again singled out Lamine Camara for praise, describing the Senegal international as a midfielder with qualities rarely seen at the highest level. The 22-year-old remained at AS Monaco after the summer transfer window, but Chelsea and Liverpool are continuing to monitor his situation ahead of January.

The Brazilian coach has been particularly impressed by Camara’s unusual range of abilities. Speaking to L’Equipe, Luis highlighted the midfielder’s influence on matches and his ability to perform several different roles.

It is not the first time Luis has expressed his admiration for the former Metz player. In August, during an appearance on Ligue 1 Plus, he said: “In 20 years of my career, I have never seen anything like it. He is a very different player. His ability to manage the pitch, his concentration… he is well, well above average.”

Camara moved to France in February 2023 to join Metz in Ligue 2. He helped the club secure promotion to Ligue 1 before establishing himself at the top level, where his versatility has become one of his defining characteristics.

He can operate as a holding midfielder, in a more advanced central role or further forward. Camara is also capable of starting attacks from deep, finding space between the lines and carrying the ball towards the edge of the penalty area. Few players possess that combination of attributes at the same level, according to Luis.

Chelsea and Liverpool remain interested

Camara’s future, however, remains unresolved after a proposed move to Chelsea collapsed in the final moments of the summer transfer window. The potential deal was valued at about 65 million euros.

The Senegal player, known as a Lion of Teranga, spoke publicly about the difficult period that followed the failed transfer before turning his attention back to Monaco.

The principality club has since strengthened its negotiating position and is now seeking about 70 million euros for Camara. Chelsea have not ended their interest as they continue to look for a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who was sold to Manchester City.

Liverpool are also among the clubs interested in the midfielder. With the winter transfer window approaching, Monaco will be in a strong position to negotiate, having started the season as Ligue 1 leaders with 13 points from five matches.

For now, Camara remains with Luis’s side, where his ability to influence games from several positions continues to set him apart.