Liverpool remain active in the midfield market despite being on the verge of a major attacking signing.
A reputable source on X reported that the Reds continue to monitor options in the middle of the park, with Monaco’s Lamine Camara understood to be among those admired at Anfield.
The club is closing in on a package deal worth around £120m for Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. The France international has been the primary target to strengthen the forward line following Mohamed Salah’s departure.
Why midfield still matters
There is a strong case that adding a new midfielder this summer is every bit as important as reinforcing the attack.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch formed part of the midfield that helped deliver the 2024/25 title, yet their progressive, attacking instincts can leave Liverpool vulnerable in central areas. That vulnerability was clear in the recent 2-2 draw with Newcastle, where the hosts repeatedly found space between the lines.
Andoni Iraola’s side need better balance and ball-winning capacity in midfield. A natural defensive presence who can also contribute in possession would complement the existing options without sacrificing the team’s intensity.
With reports suggesting Liverpool will complete a maximum of two further signings before the window closes, any midfield move must be carefully balanced against remaining attacking needs.
Could Lamine Camara be the answer?
If the Reds are seeking a midfielder with strong defensive instincts who is also progressive on the ball, Camara is an intriguing candidate.
The 22-year-old Senegal international has impressed for Monaco. His 2025/26 Ligue 1 numbers (per 90, via FotMob) highlight both sides of his game:
Defensive output
- 6.56 duels won (92nd percentile)
- 56% duel success (78th)
- 5.69 defensive contributions (73rd)
- 7.68 recoveries (93rd)
- 1.02 possessions won in the final third (95th)
Attacking contribution
- 0.21 expected assists (93rd)
- 1.7 chances created (89th)
- 0.39 big chances created (91st)
- 82.71 touches (92nd)
Camara combines physicality and recovery ability with progressive passing and chance creation — attributes that would fit a high-intensity system. His manager at Monaco has publicly praised his concentration and pitch management, describing him as operating at a level “way above average.”
Valuation and competition
Monaco have already rejected a bid worth more than £35m from Crystal Palace. Other reports put the club’s valuation in the £43–51m range (€50–60m), reflecting Camara’s contract running until 2029 and his strong performances in Ligue 1 and for Senegal.
Several Premier League clubs have monitored the situation, making any deal competitive. Liverpool’s interest appears genuine but secondary to finalising the Barcola transfer and assessing remaining squad priorities.
The balancing act
Barcola’s imminent arrival would represent a significant step in reshaping the forward line. Whether the club can still secure a midfielder of Camara’s profile without overstretching resources or leaving the attack short remains the key question as the deadline approaches.
Camara is a high-upside option who addresses a clear tactical need. Whether Liverpool pursue him seriously in the final days of the window will depend on how the Barcola deal concludes and how Iraola and the recruitment team prioritise the remaining spots.
