Brentford have officially confirmed the signing of Mamadou Sangaray on a five-year contract.

Brentford have officially confirmed the permanent transfer of Malian international midfielder Mamadou Sangaray from Ligue 1 side Lens. This signing sets a new club record for the highest transfer fee. The 24-year-old Sangaray has signed a five-year contract with the club, with an option to extend for another year.  

The 2025/26 season was Mamadou Sangaré's first season in Ligue 1. He quickly integrated into the team and helped Lens achieve a league runner-up finish with his outstanding performance, while also helping the team lift their first-ever French Cup trophy.  

Speaking about the signing, Brentford manager Keith Andrews said: "Mamadou Sangaray has always been a key player for us. We know his development trajectory very well and have always wanted to bring him to the team. After several loan spells, he finally had a breakout season. Last season, he maintained a consistent and excellent performance for Lens and helped the team finish as runners-up in Ligue 1."  

"In addition to his consistent performance at the club level, he has also performed excellently for the Mali national team and has now grown into an important member of the team. His arrival will further enhance our midfield strength and bring technical characteristics that the team previously lacked, which can complement the existing players well. After talking with him, I could clearly feel that he was very excited about joining Brentford. He is not only humble, but also always maintains a strong drive and desire to win."  

Mamadou Sangare was born in Bamako, the capital of Mali, and his football training began in the local Yeelen Olympique youth academy. In 2020, he moved to Europe to join Austrian powerhouse Red Bull Salzburg, where he began his professional career with satellite team Leflin. Subsequently, he was loaned to clubs such as AK Graz, Züttwåleheim, and Hartburg, accumulating playing experience in various leagues.  

In the summer transfer window of 2024, Mamadou Sangare transferred to Rapid Vienna, officially beginning a new phase of his professional career. In his first season with the club, he made 44 appearances in all competitions, helping the team reach the UEFA quarterfinals and finish the season fifth in the league. In August 2025, he joined Lens in Ligue 1, quickly gaining the trust of manager Pierre Sager and becoming an important member of the team's midfield. In the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, he played 29 matches, helping the team maintain their title competitiveness and ultimately finish as runners-up, just six points behind Paris Saint-Germain.  

With his outstanding physical strength, precise tackling, and wide coverage, Mamadou Sangaré quickly rose to become one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1. He not only maintained a consistent performance in the league, but also started in the French Cup final, helping Lens defeat Nice 3-1 to win their first-ever French Cup title.  

At the national team level, Mamadou Sangare made his debut for Mali in 2024 and has since become an important member of the team. To date, he has made 16 appearances for the national team and played in all of the team's matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Mali advance to the quarterfinals.  

Image source: Internet/Brentford official website