Senegal’s Lamine Camara returns to Monaco training after failed Chelsea move

Senegal international Lamine Camara returned to Monaco training on Wednesday morning, just hours after his proposed move to Chelsea collapsed.

The 22-year-old had appeared close to joining the Premier League club on transfer deadline day after the two clubs reached an agreement in principle.

However, the deal ultimately fell through, leaving the Senegalese midfielder at Monaco for the time being.

Camara’s return to first-team training comes as the Turkish and Saudi Arabian transfer markets remain open, potentially offering another route away from the French club.

Chelsea move breaks down

Camara had been expected to complete a move to Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline.

Monaco reportedly withdrew from the deal in the hope of completing the sale of United States forward Folarin Balogun instead.

Balogun had been linked with Everton, with his proposed move to the Merseyside club revived after an earlier deal had broken down following a failed medical.

However, that transfer also collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The double setback means both Camara and Balogun remain Monaco players.

Camara trains but Balogun absent

While Camara took part in Monaco’s first-team training session at La Turbie on Wednesday, Balogun was absent.

The American forward had reportedly remained in England into the early hours of the morning following the collapse of his Everton move.

Balogun had also been away from Monaco’s first-team training before the proposed transfer because of injury.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain possible options

Although the major European transfer windows have closed, clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey can still complete signings.

That could prove significant for Camara, one of Senegal’s most promising midfielders, should Monaco and another club reopen discussions over a potential transfer.

For now, however, the 22-year-old has resumed training with Monaco as uncertainty continues over his future following the dramatic collapse of his Chelsea move.