Brentford agree club-record deal for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare

Brentford are closing in on the signing of midfielder Mamadou Sangare after reaching an agreement in principle with RC Lens.

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, but Brentford are the favourites to sign Sangare.

Crystal Palace have also been linked with him in recent weeks, although they would now need to make a late intervention to prevent him from joining Brentford.

The proposed fee would make Sangare Brentford’s most expensive signing.

It would also represent a record sale for Lens, eclipsing the €40m 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 €5m, the midfielder quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers with his energy, ball-winning ability and composure in possession.

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 manager Keith Andrews.

The Bees have already been active during the summer transfer window and view Sangare as a player capable of adding quality and physicality to the heart of midfield.

The 24-year-old fits Brentford’s long-term recruitment strategy of investing in players entering the prime years of their careers.

Unless Palace make an improved offer, 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.