Mamadou Sangare: Why the Brentford Star Chose Bees Over European Giants
Mamadou Sangare could have been gracing the Champions League stage this week, but instead, he’s making waves at Brentford. The Mali international turned down offers from some of Europe’s top clubs to join a Bees side not competing in Europe this season.
"Yeah, it’s true there were other clubs interested," Sangare shared with Sky Sports from Brentford's training facility. "But I won’t name them out of respect. For me, the focus was on finding a place where I could develop, and Brentford felt like the right fit."
After an impressive season with RC Lens, where he played a pivotal role in their Ligue 1 success, Sangare's stock had risen significantly. He even earned a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year, surpassing notable talents like PSG’s Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz.
Was it tough to turn down those big-name clubs? "Not at all," he said confidently. "Just because a big club comes calling doesn’t mean it’s the right choice. I look at things differently. For me, Brentford was the best choice to grow and prove myself."
Sangare made an immediate impact at Brentford, contributing two assists in a stunning debut against Tottenham. His performance caught the attention of pundits, with Jamie Redknapp asserting he has the talent to play for a top-four club.
So, what’s Brentford’s secret to finding and securing emerging talents? The club takes a meticulous approach to recruitment, showcasing a comprehensive presentation to potential signings. Bryan Mbeumo recalled how they analyzed his performances 28 times before he signed, presenting clear insights into his strengths and areas for development.
Sangare experienced a similar process. "It was incredible, unlike anything I had seen before," he remarked. "The club’s structure and the detailed discussions with the coach about my style of play and improvement areas really influenced my decision. It showed me they genuinely care about my development."
However, the journey hasn’t been entirely smooth for the new recruit. After a stellar start, he found himself on the bench for the last two matches against Chelsea and Aston Villa, not due to injury, but because he’s competing with seasoned players like Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen.
"I haven’t discussed my bench role much with the coach. He’s the boss, and it’s about the team first," Sangare explained. "I’m focused on working hard to earn my spot back. It’s about pushing myself to do more."
Despite limited minutes recently, Sangare's contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. He leads the league in tackles per 90 minutes and ranks second in ground duels won, showcasing his tenacity.
With players like him, Brentford has become a tough opponent, remaining unbeaten this season with victories over Chelsea and Tottenham, plus a draw against Aston Villa. They’ll face Liverpool next, aiming to capitalize on past victories.
Last season, Sangare helped Lens reach Europe and secure a cup win. Now, he’s determined to help Brentford rise to the top, proving they’re a club on the verge of greatness.
