Brentford step up move for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare as Crystal Palace enter race

Brentford are in advanced talks with RC Lens over a deal for Mali international Mamadou Sangare, with negotiations centring on a fee in the region of €48m as Crystal Palace monitor developments.

The Premier League club have intensified discussions in recent days as they look to secure the 24-year-old midfielder, who is under contract with Lens until 2030 and currently valued at around €40m.

According to the latest reports from L’Equipe, talks between Brentford and the Ligue 1 side have progressed significantly and both clubs are edging towards an agreement, raising the prospect that the transfer could be finalised soon if all parties reach common ground.

Sangare, who earns an annual salary of €2m (around 1,300,000,000 FCFA), is seen by Brentford as a key reinforcement for their midfield, particularly with the anticipated departure of Jordan Henderson, who is expected to join Chelsea.

Standout season with Lens

Sangare is coming off a highly impressive campaign with Lens, where his consistent performances in central midfield were pivotal to the club’s success on multiple fronts.

Strong in ball recovery, crucial to the team’s overall balance and notably reliable across the season, he played a major role in helping the northern French side qualify for the Champions League.

He also contributed significantly to Lens’ triumph in the Coupe de France, underlining his influence in both domestic league and cup competitions and enhancing his profile on the European stage.

Brentford push on, Palace wait

Talks between Brentford and Lens have been ongoing for several weeks, conducted largely away from the spotlight, as the Bees work to put together a package capable of convincing the French club to sell.

With Henderson’s move to Chelsea expected, Brentford are keen to move swiftly to avoid a gap in their midfield options and to ensure Sangare can be integrated as early as possible ahead of the new season.

However, the west London side still face competition for the player’s signature.

Crystal Palace are closely tracking the situation and could yet make a late attempt to sign Sangare if the opportunity arises.

The south London club, coached by Pierre Sage, who previously managed RC Lens, are maintaining a watching brief as negotiations between Brentford and Lens continue.

Sage’s knowledge of both Lens and the player means Palace are following developments carefully, ready to react should talks between the other two clubs stall or if an opening appears late in the window.

Long-term deal at Lens

Sangare’s current agreement with Lens, which runs until 2030, places the French club in a strong position at the negotiating table.

The length of his contract and his recent form have helped drive the asking price towards the €48m figure being discussed, well above his estimated valuation of €40m.

Lens, who rely heavily on Sangare’s influence in midfield, are under no immediate pressure to sell, but the size of the potential offer and the player’s rising profile mean they are engaged in serious talks.

For now, Brentford remain in pole position, but Crystal Palace’s interest ensures that the race for Mamadou Sangare is not yet decided as the transfer window continues to unfold.