Why Brentford’s £39m Mamadou Sangare could be signing of the season

Brentford’s £39m record signing Mamadou Sangare could emerge as one of the Premier League’s standout additions after establishing himself as one of Ligue 1’s most complete midfielders.

The 24-year-old arrives from Lens after helping them finish second in Ligue 1 and win the French Cup.

His performances earned him a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year, ahead of midfielders including Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz.

Sangare could have remained at Lens to play Champions League football and had interest from bigger Premier League clubs, but instead chose Brentford.

Now he is preparing to make his Premier League bow against Tottenham.

Sangare's defensive numbers were among the best in French football last season, earning comparisons with the impact Elliot Anderson has made in England.

However, former Mali manager Tom Saintfiet believes describing him simply as a defensive midfielder seriously undersells his game.

“He’s more of a No 8 than a No 6, and he can even play as a No 10,” Saintfiet told Sky Sports. “His multifunctional qualities are his strengths.”

That versatility could be particularly important for Brentford.

With Yehor Yarmoliuk capable of providing protection in front of the defence, Sangare can operate further forward and influence games in possession.

Saintfiet highlighted his ability to find solutions quickly under pressure, play both short and long passes and combine his technical qualities with elite ball recovery.

He even suggested Sangare has the qualities to play an important role for a team such as Barcelona.

Another intriguing part of Sangare's game is his shooting from distance.

Only two Ligue 1 players attempted more shots from outside the penalty area last season, and there are signs Brentford could encourage him to become even more aggressive around goal.

He has already demonstrated that ability during pre-season, scoring from long range in Brentford's 7-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Saintfiet believes Sangare has the ability to contribute three, four or five goals per season but needs to become more selfish when shooting opportunities appear.

If he adds consistent goals and assists to his defensive and creative qualities, Brentford could have a genuinely complete Premier League midfielder.

Sangare's first major test comes against Tottenham in Brentford's Premier League opener.

Some adaptation to the intensity of English football may be required, but his rapid impact at Lens suggests he is capable of settling quickly. If Sangare can reproduce his Ligue 1 performances and add more goals to his game, Brentford's £39m investment could quickly begin to look like excellent business.