Brentford on the verge of signing Mamadou Sangaré in record transfer deal

Brentford may be about to pull off the next big move of the summer transfer window. According to Foot Mercato, with confirmation from several specialist outlets, the Premier League club has reached a preliminary agreement with RC Lens for the transfer of Mamadou Sangaré. The deal is valued at €48 million, plus bonuses and a percentage of any future resale. Unless there is a last-minute surge from Crystal Palace, who are also interested in the Malian midfielder, the 24-year-old is expected to join the Bees soon.

Having arrived at Lens in the summer of 2025 from Rapid Vienna for a reported fee of €5 million plus €3 million in bonuses, Mamadou Sangaré quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1's breakout stars. His rapid adaptation and performances played a major role in the excellent season for the Sang et Or, who finished runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain.

Across all competitions, the Malian international featured in 39 matches, 29 of them in Ligue 1, tallying 3 goals and 4 assists. Sangaré stood out for his midfield energy, ball-winning ability, physical presence, and quality in pushing forward. These attributes have caught the attention of several English clubs.

Brentford banking on Sangaré

Ninth in the Premier League last season, Brentford are looking to strengthen their midfield with a player capable of providing intensity, balance, and the potential to develop further. Sangaré’s profile fits the bill perfectly. At just 24, the Malian already boasts solid experience at the top European level and still has significant room for growth.

The investment from Brentford underlines their confidence in him. With a transfer fee reported at €48 million, Sangaré would become not only the most expensive signing in the London club’s history, but also RC Lens’ record sale, surpassing Loïs Openda, who moved to RB Leipzig for €40 million in 2023.

Crystal Palace keeping a close watch

While there’s a preliminary agreement between Lens and Brentford, the deal isn’t fully wrapped up yet. Crystal Palace are also tracking the Malian international and could attempt to outbid Brentford before the transfer is finalized.

For RC Lens, this sale would mark a tremendous sporting and financial coup. Signed for a relatively modest fee just a year earlier, Sangaré could fetch nearly six times his original price. For their part, Brentford hope they’ve secured the midfielder who can help them take the next step in the Premier League, while the player himself is preparing to tackle the biggest challenge of his career yet.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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