Brentford sign Sangare for club record fee

Brentford have secured the signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens in a club record deal. The 24-year-old has agreed to terms on a five-year contract, with an additional year up for negotiation. While the exact transfer fee has not been disclosed, Brentford assert that it surpasses the £42.5 million paid to acquire Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth last summer.

Head coach Keith Andrews expressed enthusiasm about signing Sangare, stating that they have been tracking the player for some time. He praised Sangare's development during his loan spells and his consistent high-level performance for Lens, a team that secured second place in the league last season. Sangare's impact on the Mali national team further highlights his talent and importance to the sport.

Sangare made 33 appearances for Lens last season following his transfer from Rapid Vienna, where he began his career. Before joining Rapid, he had a series of loan experiences at Red Bull Salzburg and Hartberg, which contributed to his impressive performances and earned him 16 caps for Mali, including participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Andrews described Sangare as humble yet determined, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his career aspirations. The coach emphasized that Sangare embodies the values Brentford seeks in its players, both on and off the pitch, and anticipates that he will become a popular figure among fans.