Liverpool had identified Lamine Camara as their preferred replacement for Alexis Mac Allister this summer, had the Argentina international pushed to leave Anfield, according to reports.
The Monaco midfielder was considered a serious option if Mac Allister had actively sought a transfer and a suitable offer had arrived for the World Cup winner. Liverpool ultimately decided against making a formal approach after Mac Allister remained at the club.
David Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, said Camara was Liverpool’s “top choice” in the event of Mac Allister’s departure. The Senegal international was viewed as a player capable of adding defensive strength and energy to the Reds’ midfield.
Liverpool maintain interest in Lamine Camara
Camara’s future became one of the major stories of transfer deadline day after Chelsea agreed a deal worth about £47 million to sign him from Monaco as Enzo Fernandez’s replacement.
That move collapsed after Monaco withdrew from the agreement. The French club had been attempting to complete a separate sale of Folarin Balogun to Everton, but complications surrounding that transfer contributed to the late breakdown of the Chelsea deal.
Sky Sports reported that Monaco refused to sign the required deal sheet before the 11pm deadline, leaving Chelsea unable to revive the transfer. Camara therefore remained with the Ligue 1 side despite having been expected to move to Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool’s interest, however, appears to have survived the summer’s uncertainty. TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has reported that the club contacted Camara’s representatives to express an interest in a possible move next summer.
The 22-year-old is under contract with Monaco until 2029, meaning any future deal is likely to require significant negotiation. Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro has also suggested that Camara could attract further offers after insisting the midfielder still has “three years remaining” on his current agreement.
For now, Mac Allister remains at Liverpool and Camara will continue his development in France. But with the Reds already having identified him as their preferred successor, the Senegal international could return to the club’s transfer plans in 2027.
