Zakaria urges Camara to reject Chelsea, stay at Monaco for growth

Monaco defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria revealed he advised teammate Lamine Camara to turn down a Chelsea move during the summer transfer window, telling him it was better to remain at the French Ligue 1 club. Speaking after Monaco’s win over Lens, Zakaria said, “Chelsea? I told him that it was good but that it is better here [Monaco],” describing Camara as very professional and noting his own former Chelsea background. Camara ultimately stayed with Monaco after being linked with a Premier League switch.

This matters for Nigerian fans tracking Camara’s development, as his decision affects his playing time, growth, and potential impact on the Super Eagles. Staying at Monaco may offer more consistent first‑team football in Ligue 1 compared to battling for minutes at Chelsea, where competition is fierce. Zakaria’s endorsement also highlights Monaco’s reputation as a stepping‑stone for African talents aiming for top European leagues.

Registering the advice helps readers weigh the trade‑off between prestige and development: a big‑club move versus guaranteed playing time and a clear progression path. If you were Camara, would you prioritize regular minutes at Monaco over a high‑profile Chelsea transfer, or consider other factors like salary, lifestyle, and long‑term career goals?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/22/epl-what-i-told-camara-about-joining-chelsea-zakaria/