Sunderland set to hijack Newcastle United move for Monaco star as Romano confirms

Sunderland are reported to be making a serious move to hijack Newcastle United’s interest in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Championship club have entered the race for the highly rated Senegal international.

Camara has quickly established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in French football and his rise has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Newcastle have been monitoring the 22 year old for some time as they continue to strengthen their squad for domestic and European ambitions. However Sunderland’s sudden involvement has added an unexpected twist to the situation.

The midfielder began his professional career at Génération Foot in Senegal where he featured between 2021 and 2023. During that period he made 23 appearances and scored twice showing early signs of the composure and tactical awareness that have since defined his game. His performances earned him a move to Europe with Metz where he continued his steady progression.

During the 2023 to 2024 season Camara became a key figure for Metz making 35 appearances and scoring once as he adapted to the demands of French football. He also made a brief appearance for Metz B in 2024 before securing a move to Monaco later that year. Since joining the Ligue 1 side he has featured regularly making 38 appearances and scoring twice in all competitions.

It is that consistency at a high level that has drawn interest from clubs in England. Newcastle United have viewed Camara as a player who fits their recruitment profile young technically strong and capable of developing into a top Premier League midfielder. Their interest was initially seen as straightforward but Sunderland’s entry into the race has complicated matters.

According to Romano Sunderland have made contact and are actively exploring the possibility of a deal. While Newcastle remain interested Sunderland are understood to be pushing their own long term project as a key part of negotiations.

For Sunderland the pursuit of Camara would represent a major statement. The club have focused heavily on recruiting young players with potential and offering them a clear pathway to first team football. Camara would be viewed as a central figure rather than a squad option and that promise of responsibility could be an important factor.

Sunderland boss has repeatedly spoken about the need for energy intelligence and control in midfield. Camara’s ability to break up play carry the ball forward and maintain positional discipline aligns closely with what Sunderland have been trying to build. His experience in Ligue 1 is also seen as an advantage for a side aiming to bridge the gap between the Championship and the Premier League.

Newcastle by contrast can offer immediate top flight football and the prospect of European competition. Their project is further along and the financial power at their disposal is significant. However competition for places in midfield is also intense which may influence Camara’s thinking as he considers his next step.

Sunderland supporters have reacted strongly to reports of the club’s interest. Many see the move as evidence that Sunderland are prepared to compete for players previously considered out of reach. There is also a growing belief that the club’s vision and emphasis on development could appeal to ambitious young players seeking regular football.

Camara has remained focused on his current role at Monaco and has not publicly addressed the speculation. Speaking recently he reiterated his commitment to improving his game and continuing his development stating that he is concentrating on his performances and learning as much as possible at his current club.

Behind the scenes Sunderland face a delicate challenge. Convincing Monaco to sell and persuading the player that Wearside is the right destination will require clarity and conviction. The club’s recruitment team are believed to be working to present a clear plan outlining how Camara would fit into the team and how the club intend to progress in the coming seasons.

Whether Sunderland can successfully hijack Newcastle’s move remains to be seen. What is clear is that the interest itself highlights how Sunderland’s reputation has grown. No longer simply rebuilding the club are now prepared to challenge established Premier League sides for highly rated talent.

As the transfer window continues Camara’s future is likely to remain a talking point. For Sunderland it represents an opportunity to underline their ambition. For Newcastle it is a reminder that competition for elite young players is intensifying.

The coming weeks will determine whether Sunderland’s bold approach can deliver one of the most eye catching moves of the window or whether Newcastle will still have the final say in the race for Lamine Camara.