Mamadou Sangaré joins Brentford in Premier League transfer record for Lens
Mali international midfielder Mamadou Sangaré, who emerged as a standout performer for RC Lens last season, has officially signed with Premier League side Brentford. The move marks a record-breaking transfer for the French club, with British media estimating the fee to exceed €45 million.
- Published on 01-08-2026 at 20h54
- in London, UK
The 24-year-old midfielder, who arrived in northern France last summer from Rapid Vienna, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the London-based club. This deal makes him Brentford’s most expensive signing in their history. Keith Andrews, head coach of the Bees, expressed his excitement: “Mamadou has been on our radar for some time… He perfectly matches what we look for in a Brentford player, both on and off the pitch. I’m confident he’ll become a huge favorite with our fans.”
Sangaré departs Lens after a remarkable campaign where he became a key figure in their Ligue 1 starting XI, helping them clinch the Coupe de France and earning the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Award for the best African player in the French league.
Born in Bamako, Sangaré was scouted by Red Bull Salzburg at the Yeelen Olympique academy in Mali’s capital. He spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Zulte Waregem in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League (10 appearances, one goal) before his transfer to Rapid Vienna in 2024/2025.
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