Senegal international Mamadou Lamine Camara has expressed his delight after joining Al-Ahli Tripoli, following a transfer that drew significant attention during the winter window.
The 22-year-old midfielder was unveiled by the Libyan Premier League champions at the beginning of March, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal after arriving from RS Berkane. The move was widely regarded as one of the standout transfers of the season in Libyan football.
However, the deal was not without complications. Despite the club’s announcement, Camara’s name was initially absent from the official squad list approved by the Libyan Football Federation’s Players’ Status and Transfers Committee. This raised questions about the completion of his registration before the close of the transfer window.
Legal dispute overshadowed transfer
Al-Ahli Tripoli, led by president Mohamed Al-Mashay, had moved decisively to secure the midfielder’s services by activating a penalty clause in his contract with Berkane, which was originally set to run until June 2026. Although the Libyan club succeeded in terminating the agreement, delays meant they were unable to finalise his registration before the winter deadline.
The situation escalated into a legal dispute, with Berkane lodging a formal complaint to FIFA, protesting what they viewed as the player’s abrupt departure. The case added a layer of uncertainty to the transfer before Al-Ahli Tripoli ultimately prevailed and confirmed the signing.
Player speaks after arrival in Tripoli
Following his arrival in the Libyan capital, Camara publicly addressed the move for the first time, sharing his thoughts via social media.
“I am very happy and honored to join Al-Ahli Tripoli, the biggest club in Libya. It is a great honor for me to be part of this prestigious and ambitious institution.”
He continued: “I thank the president and staff for their trust. I have arrived at the Libyan club with a lot of motivation and a desire to work hard to help the team achieve its goals.”
Kamara concluded his message by saying: “I can’t wait to meet my new teammates at Al-Ahli Tripoli, discover the atmosphere of the club, and play in front of the fans. I am ready to defend these colors with pride.”
Career background and expectations
Camara joined Berkane in 2021 and has since developed into a promising midfield option. During the current season, he has made 15 appearances, contributing to the Moroccan club’s campaign before his departure.
His market valuation is estimated at €1.4 million, according to the platform Transfermarkt, reflecting his growing reputation at both club and international levels.
Now in Tripoli, expectations will be high as Al-Ahli seek to strengthen their squad and maintain their domestic dominance. For Camara, the move represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to establish himself in a new competitive environment, following a transfer saga that has already made headlines across the region.
