Brentford closing in on Mamadou Sangaré

RC Lens may be on the verge of pulling off one of their biggest sales in recent years. The revelation of the season for the Sang et Or, Mamadou Sangaré is in advanced talks with Brentford.

Brentford leading the race, Crystal Palace lurking

French daily L'Equipe broke the story, reporting that for several weeks now, Lens officials have been quietly negotiating with Brentford, who finished 9th in the Premier League last season. Lens are determined not to let their midfield maestro go on the cheap. Both sides are said to be closing in on an agreement this Tuesday. The fee being discussed is around €48 million—a record sum that would make Sangaré the most expensive sale in RC Lens history, surpassing Loïs Openda’s €40 million move to Leipzig in 2023.

But Brentford aren’t alone in the chase. Crystal Palace, managed by former Lens boss Pierre Sage, have also entered the fray and could table a higher bid to leapfrog Brentford’s lead.

From €5M to €48M: a sensational move

Signed last summer from Rapid Vienna for €5 million plus €3 million in bonuses, the 24-year-old Malian has quickly taken his game to new heights. His 2025-2026 campaign has been outstanding, tallying 37 appearances, 3 goals, and 4 assists—not to mention his huge influence in midfield. A true orchestrator, ball-winner, and playmaker, he carried Lens throughout the season. He was deservedly awarded the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize and was named Mali’s player of the year at the Mali Football Awards. He also shone for the Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Valued at €40 million by Transfermarkt, Sangaré could be set to swap Ligue 1 for a Premier League adventure. It would be a huge sporting blow for Lens, but a massive financial boost for the club coffers.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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