Mamadou Sangaré has scored his first goal for Brentford, continuing an encouraging start to life at the Premier League club after his move from French side RC Lens.
The Mali international struck against Eintracht Frankfurt with a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area, adding another notable moment to his early Brentford career.
Sangaré’s goal came during a convincing 7-0 victory for the Bees, who dominated the match and underlined their preparations for the new season. The midfielder’s ability to threaten from distance was once again on display as he opened his Brentford account with a long-range strike.
The 24-year-old had already made an impression in his previous pre-season appearance. On 8 August, he provided an assist in Brentford’s 4-1 victory over Rennes, giving him a goal contribution in each of his opening two matches for the club.
Sangaré joined Brentford on 1 August from RC Lens in a deal that made him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. The record transfer underlines the confidence Brentford have placed in the midfielder and his ability to strengthen their squad.
His early performances suggest he is beginning to justify that investment.
Before moving to England, Sangaré enjoyed an impressive campaign with Lens. He made 33 appearances during the season as the club won the French Cup and finished second in Ligue 1.
Those performances helped establish Sangaré as an important player in France and earned him further recognition at international level. He has won 16 caps for Mali and now faces the challenge of adapting to the demands of English football.
Brentford will hope his qualities can translate successfully into the Premier League. Sangaré is regarded as a midfielder capable of winning possession high up the pitch, controlling the pace of matches and contributing in attacking areas.
His willingness to press and recover the ball can give Brentford another option in midfield, while his shooting ability provides an additional threat when opponents defend deep.
The two pre-season matches have offered early evidence of his attacking contribution. An assist against Rennes was followed by a goal against Eintracht Frankfurt, giving him two direct contributions in his first two outings.
The latest performance also came as Brentford produced their biggest statement of pre-season so far, scoring seven times without reply. Sangaré’s contribution formed part of an emphatic display as the Bees continued their preparations for the Premier League campaign.
Having only arrived at the club at the beginning of August, the midfielder has had little time to settle into his new surroundings. However, his immediate involvement in Brentford’s attacking play will encourage the club ahead of the start of the competitive season.
His long-range strike against Frankfurt may also reinforce one of the qualities that made him an attractive signing. The midfielder has demonstrated that he can influence games not only through his pressing and ball-winning but also through his ability to produce dangerous efforts from outside the penalty area.
With his first Brentford goal now secured and an assist already to his name, Sangaré appears to be building momentum at the right time.
The Malian is now preparing for the next stage of his move to England, with a Premier League debut potentially on the horizon. After making an immediate contribution in pre-season, Brentford will be hoping their record signing can carry that form into the campaign proper.
