AS Monaco’s strange apathy at the start of the transfer window
AS Monaco isn’t the type to let a summer pass without making big moves in the transfer market. But on July 13, 2025, the Principality club is showing surprising restraint. One signing, two departures, and many unconfirmed rumors: the Roca Team seems out of sync, despite an announced budget increase and a EuroLeague finalist position.
A timid summer for the Roca Team
Kevarrius Hayes (2.06m, 28). That’s the only signing announced by AS Monaco to date. A solid interior reinforcement but one that contrasts with the club’s usual summer market activity. Meanwhile, the departures of Mam Jaiteh to Dubai BC and Vitto Brown to Besiktas have been confirmed. And then… nothing.
A striking contrast with previous years, when the Roca Team typically announced several major moves as early as June. Meanwhile, other European powerhouses are moving forward. Real Madrid, Paris, Milan, and Dubai are multiplying announcements, consolidating their base for 2025-2026.
Monaco wasn’t caught off guard though. Alpha Diallo’s extension had been anticipated. The club had even announced a budget increase of about 10% in Nice Matin, proof of unwavering ambition, despite a paradoxical season: reaching their first EuroLeague final, but lifting no trophies.
Tensions and uncertainties behind the scenes
So why this restraint? The club’s financial situation remains unclear. Many agents are still waiting for their commission… from the 2024-2025 season. A context that certainly complicates discussions for new signings or contract terminations.
For example, the cases of Nick Calathes and Donatas Motiejunas haven’t been resolved. Both could leave the club, but their contractual situations remain unclear. Georgios Papagiannis only signed for one season. And no official announcement has been made about him. Rumors have also circulated about Daniel Theis’s potential departure, but without serious foundation or credible source, as the German world champion has a second contract year at €2.2 million, despite troublesome knees.
As for incoming rumors, there have been plenty. First came speculation about Nadir Hifi… before the point guard stayed in Paris. Nick Weiler-Babb, who’s confirmed to be leaving Bayern Munich, seemed close… but Anadolu Efes appears to have won that race. Nice Matin expressed doubts about Nikola Mirotic’s arrival, though he was still spotted in Monaco during the Betclic ELITE playoff finals, apparently for his medical examination.
The quest for a French interior player, despite Makoundou…
Finally, one of the major unfinished quests of Monaco’s summer concerns a French interior player. The Roca Team has inquired about numerous French centers, making a strong push for Bodian Massa, who ultimately chose ASVEL.
A well-filled roster but lingering questions
It would be exaggerated to speak of a crisis at Monaco. The club already has about a dozen players under contract (11 plus Makoundou, Calathes and Motiejunas), enough to approach pre-season without excessive stress. But doubts persist, particularly around Mike James. Retained at President Aleksej Fedorycsev’s request, the American point guard remains central to internal balances… and potential tensions.
The question is whether Monaco is waiting for the right moment to strike, or if structural blockages are really slowing its progress in the market. One thing is certain: the coming weeks will need to be much more active for the Roca Team to again play a leading role in EuroLeague.
Monaco’s current roster:
- Point Guards: Mike James, Matthew Strazel and Nick Calathes (?)
- Shooting Guards: Elie Okobo and Jordan Loyd
- Small Forwards: Alpha Diallo, Terry Tarpey and Juhann Begarin
- Power Forwards: Jaron Blossomgame and Petr Cornelie
- Centers: Daniel Theis, Kevarrius Hayes and Donatas Motiejunas (?)
Yoan Makoundou is under contract until 2026 but should join FC Barcelona
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