Chelsea’s pursuit of Lamine Camara looked set to end with the midfielder arriving at Stamford Bridge as the replacement for Enzo Fernández, but a dramatic late twist has left the Blues empty-handed and reportedly “furious” at the unprofessional conduct. Rightly so.
Chelsea had reportedly reached an agreement worth around £47 million for the Monaco midfielder, only for the French club to pull the plug on the deal late in the window. This is despite a written agreement between the clubs on the deal sheet, allowing Chelsea to take full control of the player.
According to sources, the situation was complicated by Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton, however his deal to the Premier League club has also fallen through. There are also reports that Liverpool made an enquiry about signing him next summer for more money that turned the Ligue 1 club away from the Chelsea negotiations.
Monaco were prepared to allow Camara to leave while they expected Balogun’s departure to generate room within their squad, but when that transfer was revived and then ultimately collapsed, the French side changed its position on the Senegalese midfielder.
For the Blues, though, the damage had already been done. Enzo Fernández has completed his £125 million move to Manchester City, leaving Xabi Alonso without the midfielder the club had identified as his replacement and potentially short in natural replacements. This breakdown could have a serious impact on their title ambitions going forward.
That is why Chelsea should now wash their hands of Camara. The Senegal international is undoubtedly a talented midfielder and not at fault for the collapse, but the circumstances surrounding the collapse make it difficult for Chelsea to justify returning for him in January, or even next summer. Monaco have shown that they can change their position when circumstances suit them, leaving Chelsea vulnerable to another drawn-out negotiation or another failure.
Goodbye Camara!
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