Newcastle United are in active discussions with AS Monaco over the signing of highly rated Senegal international Lamine Camara. The 22-year-old has emerged as a prime summer target for Eddie Howe, who is eager to inject dynamism into his midfield. Scouts from St James’ Park have spent months tracking Camara’s progress in Ligue 1, identifying him as an ideal fit for Howe’s high-intensity system thanks to his ability to operate both as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder.
Camara’s rise over the last two years has been remarkable. After being named CAF Young Player of the Year in 2024 for his role in Senegal’s African Nations Championship triumph, he has established himself as a key figure at Monaco, registering five goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1. Unsurprisingly, the midfielder started for his country at the World Cup, though he suffered the agony of conceding the decisive penalty that saw the Teranga Lions eliminated by Belgium.
Monaco are under no immediate pressure to sell, with Camara under contract until 2029, but are reportedly open to a deal if their valuation is met. While Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool have also monitored the ‘fantastic’ Generation Foot academy graduate, Newcastle have shown the strongest intent and are currently leading the race. The Magpies have already agreed a deal for Bazoumana Toure and are confident of landing Johan Manzambi as they continue their summer business. With Camara now out of the World Cup, talks over his future are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.
