Lens target ‘Algerian Verratti’ Titraoui as Sangare nears record Brentford move

Lens have opened talks to sign Algeria international Yacine Titraoui from Charleroi as they prepare for the likely club-record sale of Mamadou Sangare to Brentford.

The Ligue 1 side, who finished runners-up in France last season and lifted the Coupe de France, are highly active in the current summer transfer window and have identified midfield as a key area to reshape.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, discussions are under way between Lens, Charleroi and the player over a move for Titraoui, who has just one year remaining on his current deal in Belgium, with an option for an additional season.

Titraoui, 22, is viewed by the Lens hierarchy as a priority target to strengthen the centre of the pitch, with his technical profile drawing particular admiration. He is widely nicknamed “the Algerian Verratti”, a reference to his playing style being compared to former Italy midfielder Marco Verratti.

Sangare set for record-breaking exit

At the same time, Lens are preparing for the departure of Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare, who is close to joining Premier League side Brentford.

Sangare only arrived at Lens last season but is now poised to become the most expensive outgoing transfer in the club’s history, with the deal expected to be worth €48m.

The finances generated by Sangare’s sale are set to underpin Lens’s midfield rebuild, with the French club already drawing up a list of potential replacements.

One leading candidate is Dutch midfielder Bogarde of Austrian side LASK Linz, who is under contract there until 2028. Lens are keeping a close eye on his situation but do not see him as their sole option, with Titraoui also high on their shortlist.

‘Algerian Verratti’ impresses in Belgium

Titraoui has enjoyed a standout spell with Charleroi and has broken into the Algeria national team, winning five caps so far.

He was called up for the 2026 World Cup but did not feature at the tournament, failing to play a single minute despite being part of the squad.

At club level, his performances over recent months have attracted growing attention across Europe. Last season he made 42 appearances in all competitions for Charleroi, scoring five goals and registering three assists.

Those displays, coupled with his contract situation in Belgium, have made him an appealing target for Lens as they seek value in the market while remaining competitive domestically and in Europe.

Champions League football a key attraction

Lens’s qualification for next season’s Champions League is understood to be a major factor in Titraoui’s thinking and is considered a significant advantage for the French club over rival suitors.

The player is reported to be keen on the move and is showing “a clear desire” to join Lens, encouraged by the prospect of competing in Europe’s elite club competition.

Talks between all parties are continuing, with no agreement yet finalised, but Lens are pushing to secure a deal as they reshape their midfield around the impending departure of Sangare and their ambition to build on last season’s domestic success.