Liverpool’s proposed new ownership partners could play a role in shaping the club’s January transfer plans, with Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara reportedly emerging as a leading target at Anfield.
The Senegal international is said to believe he can still secure a move to Liverpool after his proposed £47 million transfer to Chelsea collapsed in dramatic circumstances on 1 September.
Camara had completed a medical in France before Monaco withdrew from the agreement shortly after the summer transfer window closed at 11pm. Chelsea had expected the 22-year-old to arrive as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City for £125 million.
BBC Sport reported that Chelsea were informed in writing that the deal would not proceed, while sources suggested Monaco’s position was affected by uncertainty surrounding Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton. Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro later indicated that the club had preferred to retain Camara.
Liverpool’s January plans and the role of Amit Bhatia
Transfer reporter Indy Kaila has claimed that Camara now views Anfield as his preferred destination, with Liverpool having monitored the midfielder before Chelsea’s late approach.
The report says Amit Bhatia, who leads 1892 Holdings, is preparing to support Liverpool’s winter recruitment strategy. The club is expected to review its squad during the opening months of the season before deciding whether additions are needed in midfield and attack.
There is no agreement between Liverpool and Monaco, and Camara remains under contract with the Ligue 1 club. Any move would also depend on the player’s form, Liverpool’s requirements and Monaco’s valuation when the January window opens.
Liverpool did not pursue a permanent deal for Camara before the summer deadline, but reports have suggested that the club’s representatives maintained contact with the player’s camp and asked them to remain patient over a possible future approach.
The interest comes shortly after Fenway Sports Group agreed to sell a minority stake in Liverpool to 1892 Holdings. The consortium includes investments from Bhatia and the Mittal family trusts, K5 Sports, whose lead investor is Jeff Bezos, and EE Capital, the family office of Eduardo and Elaine Saverin.
FSG has stressed that it will retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval, although the club has said the consortium will work alongside its leadership to assess opportunities on and off the pitch.
Bhatia has also emphasised that 1892 Holdings will operate as a minority partner, with its involvement dependent on the areas in which FSG believes it can add value. Camara could nevertheless become an early test of the investors’ influence if Liverpool decide to revive their interest in January.
