Brentford have completed the signing of Mali international Mamadou Sangare from Lens in a club-record transfer.
The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract at the Gtech Community Stadium, with the Bees holding the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
Although Brentford did not disclose the transfer fee, the club confirmed it exceeds the £42.5 million they paid for Dango Ouattara last summer, making Sangare their most expensive signing ever.
Head coach Keith Andrews revealed the club had been monitoring Sangare for some time and believes the midfielder is the perfect fit for Brentford.
“Mamadou is someone we’ve tracked for quite some time. He’s been on our radar and was a player we were really keen to bring in,” Andrews said.
Sangare enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Lens last season, making 33 appearances as the French side secured a second-place finish. His impressive club form also carried over to the international stage, where he has become a key player for Mali.
The midfielder began his career at Red Bull Salzburg before gaining valuable experience through several loan spells. Strong performances with Hartberg earned him a move to Rapid Vienna, before Lens secured his signature.
Sangare has won 16 caps for Mali and represented his country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Andrews added: “He’s a humble young man but also determined to succeed. He fits everything we want from a Brentford player, both on and off the pitch, and I believe he’ll quickly become a fans’ favourite.”