Transfer news: Mamadou Sangaré joins Brentford and becomes the most expensive Malian player in history

After an exceptional season with RC Lens, Mamadou Sangaré is taking another step in his career. The Malian midfielder has officially left the club to join Brentford in the Premier League, in a transfer that will mark a milestone in Malian football history.

A revelation in Ligue 1 during the 2025-2026 season, the 24-year-old quickly attracted the attention of several European clubs thanks to his impressive performances with Lens. His performances ultimately convinced Brentford to make a move for his services.

The transfer was officially announced on Saturday. Mamadou Sangaré has signed with the Bees until June 2031, with an option for an additional year. To convince RC Lens to part with their midfielder, the English club paid €48 million, excluding bonuses.

This deal represents a truly historic sale for RC Lens. It also rewards the meteoric rise of the Malian midfielder, who reached his peak during his last season in the French league.

But beyond the sporting and financial aspects for Lens, this transfer also represents a significant moment for Malian football. With a fee of 48 million euros, Mamadou Sangaré becomes the most expensive Malian player in history.

At Brentford, the Malian international will now experience the Premier League, a league renowned for its intensity and demanding nature. He will have to live up to the promise he showed in Ligue 1 and establish himself in a new and particularly competitive environment.

At just 24 years old, Sangaré still has significant room for improvement. His move to England could therefore represent a major new step in a career that is now taking on an international dimension.