According to EPSN, Chelsea initially submitted a USD 52 million offer, which Monaco rejected. The two sides later agreed on a USD 64 million fee less than two hours before the 23h deadline on 1/9. Camara was expected to sign a six-year contract with Chelsea upon completing his medical.

However, an unexpected turn of events occurred when Monaco reopened negotiations and reached an agreement to sell forward Folarin Balogun to Everton. This deal had previously appeared to collapse earlier in the day due to issues during his medical examination. As Monaco only intended to let either Camara or Balogun leave, the club announced its withdrawal from the agreement with Chelsea.

Lamine Camara (right) challenges Dro Fernandez during the Monaco versus PSG Ligue 1 match at Parc des Princes, Paris, France on 6/3/2026. Photo: AFP

Chelsea considered this unprofessional conduct and was particularly disappointed that Monaco unilaterally changed its decision despite a written agreement between the two clubs. Monaco did not even sign Camara's deal sheet before the 23h deadline. Consequently, Chelsea had no basis to complete or revive the deal after the transfer window closed.

Ironically, shortly after, Balogun himself withdrew from the Everton transfer. The American forward had traveled to England's Merseyside region to finalize the transfer, valued at over USD 50 million, but ultimately changed his mind and remained at Monaco. Thus, Monaco kept Camara, leaving Chelsea without a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, and also failed to sell Balogun to Everton.

At that time, Chelsea still had the option to cancel the USD 169 million Enzo Fernandez transfer to Man City, retaining a midfield option. However, the London club chose to honor the agreement it had reached.

The last-minute collapse of the deal left Chelsea with less midfield depth than anticipated. The Blues' primary midfield options now include Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, and Valentin Barco. Defender Reece James could also be deployed in this role, as seen in Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham in the first round of the Premier League.

Last season, Camara scored three goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions for Monaco. The Senegalese midfielder also featured in the 2026 World Cup, playing in all four matches.

Camara challenges Desire Doue during the Senegal versus France Group I World Cup 2026 match at New York/New Jersey, East Rutherford, USA on 16/6/2026. Photo: AFP

Camara was not the only African player to miss out on a club transfer on deadline day. Ismaila Sarr also remained at Crystal Palace, despite interest from Liverpool and Galatasaray.

Diomansy Kamara, who previously played for Portsmouth, West Brom, and Fulham, represents both Sarr and Camara. After his two clients failed to complete their transfers, he posted a strong message on Instagram, accusing clubs of disrespecting African players.

"The cases of Sarr and Camara force us all to reflect. African players deserve respect: respect for their work, careers, ambitions, and voices," Kamara wrote, adding that football needs to move beyond viewing African players merely as commodities, where clubs can buy, value, negotiate futures, and decide their destinies.

Kamara acknowledged that clubs having a decisive say in professional football is a difficult reality to change. However, he questioned the role of players in decisions directly affecting their future. "Behind every contract is a person, a career, dreams, and life choices," Kamara wrote. "Players must be heard and respected in decisions that determine their own future."

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Sky Sports)