Brentford set to smash transfer record for Mali midfielder Sangaré

Mali international Mamadou Sangaré has left RC Lens’ squad in Italy as he moves closer to completing a record-breaking transfer to Premier League side Brentford.

According to French newspaper L’Équipe, the 24-year-old midfielder has travelled to Paris to finalise the deal after being withdrawn from Lens’ pre-season activities.

Sangaré was part of the squad that travelled to Italy for the Como Cup, but he did not feature in either of Tuesday’s matches and is also expected to miss Saturday’s friendly against Villarreal.

Record transfer on the horizon

The move is set to rewrite the history books for both clubs, with Brentford reportedly agreeing a deal worth €48m.

The transfer would make Sangaré Lens’ most expensive sale and Brentford’s biggest-ever signing.

The midfielder joined the French side only last summer from Austrian club Rapid Vienna in a deal worth an initial €5m, with a further €3m in potential bonuses.

Just one year later, his impressive performances have dramatically increased his market value and attracted interest from the Premier League.

Breakthrough season for Mali star

Sangaré enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign in northern France, quickly establishing himself as one of Lens’ most influential players.

The Mali international played a key role as Lens won the first Coupe de France title in the club’s history and secured automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Lens also emerged as unexpected challengers in the Ligue 1 title race, pushing Paris Saint-Germain for much of the season before eventually finishing behind the French champions.

Premier League challenge awaits

Sangaré’s impending move represents another major milestone for Malian football, with one of the country’s brightest talents preparing to test himself in the Premier League.

With the midfielder already in Paris and negotiations entering their final stages, an official announcement is expected in the coming days.