Brentford secure Mamadou Sangare after award-winning season at RC Lens

Brentford have completed the signing of Mamadou Sangare from RC Lens, with the 24-year-old Mali midfielder joining the Premier League club after an outstanding campaign in Ligue 1.

Sangare’s move was officially confirmed by Brentford on Saturday. The transfer is worth an initial €48m, excluding bonuses, and represents the biggest sale in RC Lens’ history. The French club have also negotiated a percentage of any future transfer involving the player.

The midfielder leaves RC Lens after establishing himself as one of the standout performers in the French top flight. He was named Ligue 1’s best African player of the season following a campaign in which he played a significant role in the club’s success.

Sangare scored three goals and supplied four assists during the season, while his defensive contribution was equally influential. He made 207 recoveries, the highest total recorded in the championship.

His performances helped RC Lens finish second in Ligue 1 and win the first Coupe de France in the club’s history. The combination of his ball-winning ability, consistency and influence in midfield attracted Brentford, who have now secured his services for their Premier League squad.

The agreement marks a major financial milestone for RC Lens. Sangare’s departure surpasses all previous sales made by the club, while the additional resale clause gives Lens the possibility of further income if the Mali international moves on from Brentford in the future.

The French side are already working on a replacement. Their directors have identified Yassine Titraoui, the Algerian midfielder currently at Charleroi, as a target to fill the position left by Sangare.

Titraoui’s arrival could be officially announced in the coming days, although RC Lens have not yet completed that deal.

For Brentford, Sangare arrives with the reputation of a player who has combined attacking output with considerable defensive work. His three goals and four assists were accompanied by a league-leading tally of 207 recoveries, underlining the importance of his contribution beyond the final pass or finish.

The move also represents the latest stage in the midfielder’s development after his impressive season with the Sang et Or. Having been recognised as the leading African player in Ligue 1, Sangare now begins a new chapter in England with Brentford.

RC Lens will lose one of the central figures in their second-place league finish and historic Coupe de France triumph, but the €48m fee, before bonuses, provides the club with a record return. Their agreement for a share of a future sale could also make the transfer financially significant beyond the initial payment.