Brentford has signed 24-year-old Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangaré from RC Lens for a club-record fee. The Premier League club confirmed the signing on Saturday, with the player agreeing to a five-year contract that includes an option for an additional year.
While the precise fee remains undisclosed, reports provide varying figures. Some indicate the west London club paid £39 million ($52.57 million), while other reports cite a landmark €48 million transfer, which would set a new record sale for Lens. Additionally, some reports suggest the amount surpasses the 42.5 million pounds ($57.3m) Brentford paid for Dango Ouattara a year ago.
Sangaré joins the club following a stellar season with Lens, during which he helped the team finish second in the league and win the French Cup for the first time. Brentford manager Keith Andrews said the club had tracked the midfielder for some time, praising his consistent performance and his importance to the Mali national team. Andrews noted that Sangaré adds qualities the current midfield lacks.