It Was Close — Lamine Camara Opens Up On Why Chelsea Transfer Collapsed

Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has revealed that he has moved on from his failed transfer to Chelsea and is now fully focused on helping the French club maintain their impressive start to the new Ligue 1 campaign.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the 22-year-old Senegal international had completed a medical ahead of a proposed £47.1 million move to Chelsea, but the deal broke down in the final stages before the transfer window closed.

Monaco had previously rejected two offers for the midfielder before appearing to lower their asking price during a dramatic final phase of the transfer window. However, uncertainty surrounding Folarin Balogun’s proposed transfer to Everton reportedly influenced Monaco’s decision-making.

As Balogun’s move appeared increasingly likely to be completed, Monaco reportedly reconsidered their willingness to sell Camara. In the end, both players remained with the Ligue 1 side despite expectations that the club would need to generate substantial funds from player sales during the summer.

Speaking ahead of Monaco’s league encounter with Strasbourg on September 12, Camara acknowledged that a departure had been possible but insisted that he has put the disappointment behind him.

“There was a possibility I could leave. It didn’t go through at the last minute and that’s part of football. I’ve turned the page and am focusing on the season,” Camara said.

A source within Monaco had previously indicated that the club would demand a substantial transfer fee before allowing Camara to leave, while reports from France suggested that Balogun was considered the preferred player to sell as Monaco sought to raise significant funds.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Camara has made a strong start to the season with Monaco. The club won their opening three Ligue 1 matches and entered the weekend sitting second behind Rennes, with a game in hand.

Camara remains confident that he can make a significant contribution to Monaco while keeping the door open to a possible transfer in the future.

“I can help the team a lot,” the midfielder said. “Football moves fast. Maybe other opportunities will come along. But for now, I’m staying focused on the season with Monaco.”