Brentford sign Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens for €48m

Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare has joined Brentford from Lens in a permanent transfer worth €48m, giving the Premier League club a major addition to their midfield for the 2026-27 season.

The 24-year-old central midfielder has moved to England after one season with Lens, where he helped the French club win the French Cup in 2025-26. Sangare joined Lens from Austrian side Rapid Vienna in August 2025 for €13m before completing his next move a year later.

Sangare has signed a contract with Brentford running until 30 June 2031. He is left-footed and operates primarily in central midfield, adding a different profile to the club’s options in the middle of the pitch.

The move takes Sangare into the Premier League after spells in France, Austria and Belgium. He made 29 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists, while he has also played 74 times in the Bundesliga, registering five goals and seven assists.

His time in Austria included a spell with Rapid Vienna, where he established himself before earning the move to Lens. He had previously been part of the Red Bull Salzburg system and spent time on loan with TSV Hartberg, Zulte Waregem and Grazer AK 1902.

Sangare began his senior career after leaving Malian club Yeelen for Salzburg in 2020. His early development included a season with FC Liefering and a youth league title with Salzburg’s under-18 side in 2020-21.

The midfielder’s career has also included European competition, with appearances in the Conference League and Europa League qualifying, as well as domestic cup football in Austria, Belgium and France. His record includes a French Cup triumph with Lens and an Austrian youth league championship with Salzburg.

Brentford’s agreement for Sangare represents a substantial rise in transfer value from the €13m Lens paid for him in 2025. His current market value is listed at €40m, below the fee agreed for his move to west London.

Sangare’s transfer from Lens to Brentford was completed on 1 August 2026, with his contract at the Premier League club lasting until June 2031.