Sports
Newcastle now eyeing 2026 move to sign Lamine Camara amid Kante comparisons
Newcastle United have now reportedly set their sights on signing a midfield reinforcement who’s been compared to the iconic N’Golo Kante.
Newcastle chasing key midfield addition
It’s a fairly open secret ahead of 2026 that Newcastle are after an extra midfield star. Their usual trusty trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes has shown signs of wilting without much-needed depth and that’s something PIF must look to fix when the January transfer window swings open.
Joelinton has particularly suffered this season and now has an injury issue to contend with. Eddie Howe revealed the news earlier this week, telling reporters: “Joelinton is recovering from a groin injury. He is fit to a certain extent, but we would only use him in an emergency situation.
“For example, to defend a corner in the closing minutes of the match. He is training, but perhaps not completing every drill at full intensity.”
Without him, Newcastle have been forced to turn towards the likes of Joe Willock, Lewis Miley and struggling summer signing Jacob Ramsey. Compared to the robust nature of Joelinton’s work, none of those three represent like-for-like replacements or upgrades in other departments.
One man who could arrive to solve those problems is Ruben Neves. The Al-Hilal midfielder has just over six months left on his contract in Saudi Arabia, but could leave earlier and in the January transfer window. Newcastle, alongside others, are reportedly interested in the Portugal international.
However, Neves isn’t the only name on the January shortlist. According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Lamine Camara from AS Monaco. The talented midfielder is being monitored by the Magpies ahead of next month.
Camara would be bargain Neves alternative for Newcastle
If they weren’t held back by their wage structure then Neves would be Newcastle’s man. Alas, the reality is that they’re unlikely to secure his signature if he wants to match his £15m-a-year Saudi wage back in the Premier League. So, those in Tyneside may need to find an alternative and that’s where Camara could come in.
Compared to Premier League winner Kante in the past, the Monaco star is still just 21 years old and yet to even reach the peak of his powers. A move next month may be unlikely as Camara is representing Senegal at AFCON, but Newcastle should look to secure a move beyond the winter window.
Dubbed a “complete midfielder” by Como scout Ben Mattinson this time last year, Camara could be the answer to Newcastle’s problems in 2026.
