Lamine Camara was reportedly left furious after AS Monaco pulled the plug on his proposed £47 million move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
The Senegal midfielder had appeared close to joining the west London club, with a €55m agreement reached and permission granted for him to travel for a medical. Fabrizio Romano subsequently reported that Camara was undergoing the examination under Chelsea’s supervision, with a six-year contract also understood to have been prepared. ([skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11668/13580189/lamine-camara-monaco-pull-out-of-selling-midfielder-to-chelsea-in-47m-deal-after-blues-agreed-deal-for-enzo-fernandez-replacement))
However, Monaco withdrew from the deal shortly after 11pm on Tuesday, despite the clubs having exchanged written documents. Sky Sports reported that the French side refused to sign the necessary deal sheet before the deadline, leaving no opportunity for Chelsea to revive the transfer. ([skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11668/13580189/lamine-camara-monaco-pull-out-of-selling-midfielder-to-chelsea-in-47m-deal-after-blues-agreed-deal-for-enzo-fernandez-replacement))
The decision was linked to Monaco’s efforts to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton. The Ligue 1 club reportedly wanted to complete only one major sale and opted to prioritise the striker’s proposed move, prompting them to reverse course on Camara.
Romano described Chelsea’s reaction as one of fury, saying the club viewed Monaco’s conduct as deeply unprofessional. The Blues had been seeking a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, whose £125m transfer to Manchester City was completed on the same night. ([skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11668/13580189/lamine-camara-monaco-pull-out-of-selling-midfielder-to-chelsea-in-47m-deal-after-blues-agreed-deal-for-enzo-fernandez-replacement))
The situation then became even more chaotic when Balogun’s move to Everton also collapsed later in the evening. L’Équipe reported that Monaco had reconsidered Camara’s departure after negotiations over Balogun improved, only for the proposed deal for the American forward to subsequently break down. ([lequipe.fr](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Mercato-avec-le-transfert-de-folarin-balogun-a-everton-finalement-en-cours-celui-de-lamine-camara-vers-chelsea-annule-par-monaco/1715383))
Lamine Camara transfer collapse leaves Monaco facing backlash
According to transfer reporter Simon Phillips, Camara was himself angered by Monaco’s decision to deny him what had been viewed as a major career opportunity. The 22-year-old will now remain with the French club, at least until the next transfer window.
Chelsea are understood to have been left without a midfield signing after the late collapse, although other options had been considered during the window. Sky Sports reported that Roma’s Manu Koné was among the players previously shortlisted by the club. ([skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11668/13580189/lamine-camara-monaco-pull-out-of-selling-midfielder-to-chelsea-in-47m-deal-after-blues-agreed-deal-for-enzo-fernandez-replacement))
Monaco’s handling of the negotiations could also affect any future dealings between the clubs, with reports suggesting Chelsea may be reluctant to return for Camara. The midfielder has also attracted interest from Liverpool, meaning another opportunity at a leading Premier League club could emerge if he continues to impress in Ligue 1.
