Mamadou Sangaré is poised to join Nottingham Forest in a club-record deal for Lens, according to L’Équipe. The Malian midfielder was absent from Lens’ pitch inspection at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Como on Tuesday, with the French publication reporting his absence is linked to the impending transfer. While the financial details of the deal have not yet been disclosed, L’Équipe states the move will represent the largest sale in Lens’ history.
Sangaré, 25, has become a key figure in the Lens midfield since joining from Toulouse in 2019. He played a crucial role in Lens’ surprising second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, earning himself attention from several clubs across Europe. His combative style and ability to break up play have made him a highly sought-after defensive midfielder. Last season, Sangaré completed 89.2% of his passes in Ligue 1, while winning 6.3 duels per 90 minutes, according to Opta.
Nottingham Forest have been active in the transfer market this summer, following their successful fight against relegation from the Premier League. Manager Steve Cooper is looking to bolster his squad depth ahead of the new season, and Sangaré fits the profile of a player who can add steel and physicality to the midfield. Forest have already brought in several new faces, including Taiwo Awoniyi and Morgan Gibbs-White, and the addition of Sangaré would further strengthen their options.
Lens, meanwhile, will be looking to reinvest the funds from Sangaré’s sale to strengthen their own squad. Despite losing their star midfielder, the club is well-positioned to challenge for European qualification once again next season, having established themselves as a force in French football. The sale of Sangaré demonstrates Lens’ ability to develop and sell players for significant profits, a key part of their financial strategy.
The transfer is expected to be completed in the coming days, subject to a medical and agreement on personal terms. This move represents a significant step up for Sangaré, offering him the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League and contribute to a club with ambitious plans. It also provides Forest with a dynamic and experienced midfielder who could become a mainstay in their starting eleven.
