Brentford splashes £39 million on Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare
Brentford have signed Mali international Mamadou Sangare from RC Lens for a club-record £39 million, and he is expected to debut against Tottenham on opening day.
Brentford announced a club-record acquisition of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare, paying £39 million to French side RC Lens. The 24-year-old, who earned his first Mali call-up in September 2024, was praised by national team manager Tom Saintfiet for his intelligence, confidence and ability to operate in multiple midfield roles, from a traditional No 6 to a more advanced No 8 or No 10. At Lens he helped the team finish second in Ligue 1, win the French Cup and earn a place in the league’s Team of the Year.
Opting for Brentford over other Premier League suitors, Sangare is set to debut in the Bees’ opening fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. His arrival adds depth to a midfield already featuring a promising No 6 and offers a player with strong ball-winning stats and a noted long-range shot. Saintfiet believes the move is a stepping stone, suggesting Sangare could eventually aim for a top-six English club.
Why it matters
The signing could boost Brentford's competitiveness and highlights the Premier League's growing attraction for top African talent.
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