Mali international joins premier league with record-breaking lens transfer

Position: Central Midfielder
Age: 24
Career Highlights: Ligue 1 winner, Coupe de France champion, Marc-Vivien Foé Award winner

Mali international Mamadou Sangaré seals Premier League move with Brentford after record Lens exit

The 24-year-old midfielder, who dazzled in Ligue 1 with RC Lens last season, has signed a five-year deal with Brentford, becoming the London club’s most expensive acquisition to date.

London

Mamadou Sangaré arrived in Northern France last summer from Rapid Vienna, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in RC Lens’s midfield. His impressive performances earned him a permanent spot in Ligue 1’s starting XI, a Coupe de France triumph, and the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Award, recognizing the best African player in French football.

The Malian international has now completed his move to Brentford in a deal reported to exceed €45 million, shattering the club’s previous transfer record. Brentford manager Keith Andrews praised Sangaré’s character and ability, stating: “We had been tracking Mamadou for some time… He perfectly matches everything we look for in a Brentford player, on and off the pitch. I’m confident he will become a firm fan favorite.”

From Bamako to Brentford: A career forged in Mali

Born in Bamako, Sangaré was scouted by Red Bull Salzburg while playing for Yeelen Olympique, a prominent academy in the Malian capital. His talents led to a loan spell at Belgian side Zulte Waregem during the 2022/23 season, where he made 10 Jupiler Pro League appearances and scored once. By 2024/25, he had secured a move to Rapid Vienna, setting the stage for his breakthrough in Europe.