Brentford have completed the club-record signing of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens. The 24-year-old has agreed a five-year deal with an option for a further year. While the fee is undisclosed, the club says it exceeds the £42.5m spent on Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth last summer.
Head coach Keith Andrews said Brentford had tracked Sangare for a long time and were determined to bring him in, highlighting his outstanding season at Lens—who finished second—and his growing influence for Mali.
Sangare made 33 appearances for Lens last season after joining from Rapid Vienna. He began his career with Red Bull Salzburg, spent time out on loan, and earned a move to Rapid Vienna following impressive performances for Hartberg. He has 16 international caps and featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Andrews described him as humble, ambitious, and a strong fit for Brentford on and off the pitch, predicting he will quickly become a fans’ favourite.