Brentford close to club-record deal for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare | OneFootball

Brentford are close to agreeing a club-record deal to sign Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, although the move is not yet finalised. According to NY Times, the fee would surpass the £37 million plus £5 million in add-ons Brentford paid Bournemouth for Dango Ouattara last year.

Crystal Palace, now managed by former Lens coach Pierre Sage, had been interested, but were not in a position to match Brentford's financial package.

Sangare, 24, is viewed as a replacement for Jordan Henderson, who left on Wednesday after one season when his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.

He joined Lens from Rapid Wien in August last year and became a mainstay in 2025-26, making 33 appearances in all competitions with three goals and three assists. He started the Coupe de France final as Lens beat Nice 3-1 to win the trophy for the first time.

Capped 16 times by Mali, he featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they reached the quarter-finals, losing to eventual finalists Senegal.

Brentford have been seeking to refresh their midfield, with Mathias Jensen and Vitaly Janelt long-serving regulars. Mikkel Damsgaard and Yehor Yarmoliuk bring energy and craft, but more quality is needed.

Sangare's athleticism and ball-winning ability appeal to Brentford, who hope he can form part of a new-look unit alongside Netherlands Under-21 midfielder Antoni Milambo, whose first year in west London was interrupted by an ACL injury.

Source: NY Times