Brentford are closing in on a €48m deal for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare as they look to replace Jordan Henderson, who is set to join Chelsea. The 24-year-old was a standout performer in Ligue 1 last season, helping Lens finish second behind Paris Saint-Germain. Brentford narrowly missed out on European qualification, finishing 9th in the Premier League with 53 points (14W-11D-13L), just three goals behind Brighton in the final standings.
Why Sangare is the perfect fit for Brentford
Sangare’s defensive and creative contributions make him an ideal replacement for Henderson. Last season, he won 52 tackles (60.47% success), made 121 ball recoveries in the middle third, and created 34 chances-ranking in the top 10 in Ligue 1. His ability to drive forward with the ball and contribute offensively (3 goals, 4 assists) adds another dimension to Brentford’s midfield.
What does this mean for Brentford’s midfield?
With Henderson’s experience leaving, Sangare’s arrival would bring a dynamic, younger presence. His 86.23% pass completion rate and 1,252 completed passes last season highlight his composure under pressure. While he may need time to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality, his stats suggest he’ll quickly become a key player for Keith Andrews’ side.
Will the deal go through?
Reports indicate an agreement in principle is already in place, though Lens will fight to keep their star player. The €48m fee would be a club-record spend for Brentford, reflecting their ambition to push for higher finishes. If completed, Sangare could be a game-changer as Brentford prepare for their next Premier League campaign, starting with a home fixture against Coventry on 20 February 2027.
