The Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangaré, a standout performer with RC Lens last season, has officially signed with Brentford in England’s Premier League. The move, described as a club-record transfer for Lens, was announced over the weekend, though the exact fee remains undisclosed. British media outlets, however, estimate the deal at over €45 million.
The 24-year-old’s arrival in London comes after a single, highly successful season in Ligue 1, where he secured a place in Lens’s starting XI. During that campaign, he helped the club lift the Coupe de France and earned the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Award, given annually to the best African player in France’s top flight.
Speaking about the new signing, Brentford manager Keith Andrews expressed his enthusiasm. “Mamadou has been on our radar for some time. He ticks every box we look for in a Brentford player, both on and off the pitch. I believe he will quickly win over the fans.” Sangaré has committed to the club for five seasons, making him the most expensive signing in Brentford’s history.
From Mali to Europe: a career on the rise
Born in Bamako, Sangaré was scouted by Red Bull Salzburg at the Yeelen Olympique academy in Mali’s capital. His professional journey led him to Zulte Waregem in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League during the 2022/23 season, where he made 10 appearances and scored once. The following year, he moved to Rapid Wien in Austria, further establishing his reputation before his breakthrough in France.
His departure from Lens marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but the move to Brentford offers a new challenge in one of football’s most competitive leagues. As the Premier League gears up for another season, fans are already anticipating the impact the young Malian will have on the pitch.
