Agent’s Outcry After Two High-Profile African Transfers Collapse

During the 2026 summer transfer window, negotiations for Senegal forward Ismaïla Sarr and Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara fell apart, prompting former Senegal international Diomansy Kamara—Sarr’s agent and a former Premier League player—to publicly denounce the way African players are treated in the market.

'African players are not a commodity' - Agent rages after Sarr and Camara transfers collapse

Crystal Palace rejected Liverpool’s €58 million offer for Sarr, insisting on a minimum €87 million fee. The club also maintained that the 28-year-old, who missed the opening two Premier League matches through injury, was not for sale. Liverpool did not submit a higher bid before the deadline, opting to retain striker Cody Gakpo.

The Guardian

In a separate saga, Monaco and Chelsea were close to finalising Camara’s transfer for €55 million. The deal collapsed after Monaco revived a £40 million move for Everton forward Folarin Balogun, prompting the Ligue 1 side to pull the plug on Camara’s sale. Chelsea’s interest remained, but no agreement was reached, leaving the Senegalese midfielder at Monaco.

'African players are not a commodity' - Agent rages after Sarr and Camara transfers collapse

Thiago Scuro, Monaco’s sporting director, defended his club’s actions in a press conference. Palace was contacted for comment but did not respond.

The Guardian

“We have to get out of this logic where the African player can sometimes give the feeling that he is just a commodity: you buy it, you set its price, you negotiate its future and, too often, your will seems to go to the background. Our African players deserve respect. The respect of their work. The respect of their career. Respecting their ambitions. The respect of their voices.” — Diomansy Kamara

The Guardian