Mamadou Sangaré joins Brentford in record-breaking deal from Lens

After a standout season with RC Lens, Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangaré has finalized his transfer to Brentford FC, marking a historic move for the London-based club. The announcement, made by the French outfit, confirmed a five-year commitment but did not disclose the transfer fee, widely speculated to exceed €45 million by European media.

Sangaré, now 24, arrived in France last summer from Rapid Wien, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Ligue 1. His contributions were pivotal in Lens’s triumph in the Coupe de France, while his individual performances earned him the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Award, honoring the best African player in French football.

Keith Andrews, Brentford’s head coach, expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating, “Mamadou has been on our radar for some time. He embodies everything we seek in a player—both on and off the pitch. I’m confident he’ll win over the fans in no time.”

Lens bid farewell to the Bamako-born talent, describing his season as “a journey filled with unforgettable moments.” His journey began at Yeelen Olympique, a Malian academy where he was scouted by Red Bull Salzburg before making his professional debut.