Brentford Club announced signing Mamadou Sangari from French Lens for a record fee in the club's history.
Mamadou Sangari
Club: Lens
The 24-year-old midfielder signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for one additional season.
The English club announced the signing of Sangari for $52 million, making it the most expensive deal since the club's founding.
Sangari's transfer came after an outstanding season with Lens, during which he helped the team finish second in the French league and win the French Cup for the first time.
The player featured in 33 matches across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists.
Sangari was awarded the Best African Player in the French League and was included in the competition's ideal XI.
Brentford coach Keith Andrews said via the club's official website: "We have been following the player for a long time and were keen to sign him."
He added, "Sangari had a wonderful season with Lens and proved his quality at a high level."
He continued, "He will add a lot to the midfield and possesses different qualities from what we currently have."
He concluded his remarks by saying, "He is a humble player with a strong desire to succeed and fits perfectly with what we are looking for on and off the pitch."
Sangari is one of the most prominent emerging midfielders and has previously played in Austria and Belgium before moving to Lens.
He has also represented the Mali national team in 16 international matches, appeared in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and helped his country reach the quarterfinals.
The signing comes as part of Brentford's efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
