RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBrentford agree club-record deal for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare
Brentford are closing in on the signing of RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare after reaching an agreement in principle with the French club.
According to Foot Mercato , the Bees have agreed a package worth €48 million plus bonuses and a percentage of any future sale for the 24-year-old.
The transfer has not yet been completed, with the final details still to be resolved, but Brentford are now considered favourites to secure the Mali international’s signature.
Crystal Palace have also been linked with Sangare in recent weeks, although they would now need to make a late intervention to prevent the midfielder from moving to west London.
The proposed fee would make Sangare Brentford’s most expensive signing.
It would also represent a record sale for Lens, eclipsing the €40 million transfer of Lois Openda to RB Leipzig in 2023.
Sangare enjoyed an outstanding first season in Ligue 1 after joining Lens from Rapid Vienna last summer.
Initially signed for an initial fee of around €5 million, the midfielder quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers with his energy, ball-winning ability and composure in possession.
His impressive displays attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, with Premier League sides monitoring his progress throughout the campaign.
Lens appeared to acknowledge the growing transfer speculation by leaving Sangare out of their Como Cup fixture on Tuesday, a decision widely viewed as a precaution while negotiations progressed.
Brentford have moved decisively to avoid a bidding war and now look well placed to complete the deal.
The move would continue the club’s ambitious recruitment drive under head coach Keith Andrews.
The Bees have already been active during the summer transfer window as they reshape their squad ahead of the new Premier League season and view Sangare as a player capable of adding quality and physicality to the heart of midfield.
At 24, he also fits Brentford’s long-term recruitment strategy of investing in players entering the prime years of their careers.
For Lens, the deal would represent a remarkable return on their investment after just one season.
While losing one of their most influential midfielders will be a significant blow, the size of the transfer fee would provide the French club with substantial resources to strengthen elsewhere before the window closes.
Unless Crystal Palace launch an improved offer at the last minute, Brentford now appear to be on course to secure one of Ligue 1’s most sought-after midfielders in what would be a landmark signing for the club.
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