Porto Swoop Derails Monaco’s Pursuit of Vincent Aboubakar
AS Monaco had identified Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar as their key attacking target in the summer transfer window, but a dramatic late intervention by FC Porto ultimately thwarted the French club’s efforts.
According to information from le10sport.com, Monaco had been closely monitoring the Lorient forward for several months, with head coach Luis Campos particularly enthusiastic about the player’s profile. By mid-August, the Ligue 1 side had taken tangible steps to secure Aboubakar’s signature.
An official bid, reportedly just over €8 million, was submitted to Lorient around 15 August. Initial indications suggested that the Brittany-based club was receptive to the offer, and there was optimism within the Monaco camp that a deal could soon be finalised.
However, just two days after Monaco’s proposal was made, FC Porto entered the race with a significantly stronger offer, believed to be in the region of €10–12 million. The Portuguese giants wasted no time in making their intentions clear. They dispatched three representatives directly to Aboubakar’s location to engage in face-to-face talks and convince the striker to opt for a move to the Estádio do Dragão.
Sources close to the negotiations say that Monaco were taken aback by Porto’s sudden involvement, particularly as the Portuguese club had not previously expressed serious interest in the player during the summer window. The unexpected nature and speed of Porto’s approach prompted internal reflection at Monaco, with some club officials questioning the timing and strategy surrounding the failed transfer.
Luis Campos, who had invested significant effort into tracking and assessing Aboubakar’s potential fit at Monaco, was said to be particularly disappointed by the turn of events. Despite their early groundwork and competitive offer, Monaco were unable to match both the financial package and the persuasive power of Porto’s last-minute bid.
Vincent Aboubakar would go on to complete his move to FC Porto, where he became a key figure in their attacking line-up. The deal highlighted the unpredictable and competitive nature of the European transfer market, where late moves by top clubs can abruptly alter a player’s trajectory — and derail carefully laid plans by rivals.
For Monaco, the episode served as a reminder of the challenges in securing high-profile talent amid strong continental competition. As for Aboubakar, the switch to Porto marked a significant step in his career, eventually establishing himself on the European stage and later representing Cameroon at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
