Mamadou Sangaré is poised to join Brentford from RC Lens in a deal worth around €48 million, according to L’Équipe. The 24-year-old midfielder has been in advanced talks with the Premier League club for several weeks, with Lens officials attempting to secure a significant fee for a player pivotal to their recent success.
Sangaré emerged as a key figure for Lens last season, contributing significantly to their strong league performance. He joined the French club last summer from Rapid Vienna for a reported €5 million plus €3 million in bonuses and quickly established himself as a vital component of the midfield. Lens were reportedly determined to only sell the Malian international for a substantial offer, reflecting his importance to the team.
While nothing was finalized as of Tuesday evening, L’Équipe reports that an agreement between the two clubs is nearing completion. The potential transfer fee of €48 million would make Sangaré the most expensive player ever sold by RC Lens, surpassing the €40 million received from Leipzig for Lois Openda in 2023. Crystal Palace, managed by former Lens coach Pierre Sage, have also expressed interest and could potentially submit a competing bid.
To avoid the risk of injury, Sangaré did not participate in Lens’s friendly matches against Crystal Palace and Famalicao on Tuesday in Como. He sat out the 3-0 victory over Palace, and was also absent for the later match against Famalicao. This absence suggests the transfer is imminent and the club is taking precautions with a valuable asset.
Brentford finished ninth in the Premier League last season and will be hoping Sangaré can add further quality and steel to their midfield. The move represents a significant step up for the player, and a considerable profit for Lens, solidifying their position as a selling club capable of developing and exporting talent.
