Olympique Lyonnais have signed midfielder Mads Bidstrup from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee slightly exceeding €10 million, excluding potential bonuses, the club confirmed. The Danish international has agreed to a contract with Lyon that will run until June 2031. The transfer is part of Lyon’s proactive approach to strengthening their squad ahead of their Champions League qualifying campaign in early August.
Lyon have been strategically identifying transfer targets for several weeks, aiming to build their team earlier than last summer when administrative relegation significantly disrupted their transfer window. The addition of Bidstrup, 25, follows the recent signing of Kaïl Boudache and is intended to complement Tyler Morton in midfield. Tanner Tessmann is expected to depart the club as a result of the new arrival.
Bidstrup is described as an energetic and industrious midfielder, offering a strong work rate and disciplined approach to the game. He is also noted for his ability to accelerate play from midfield. During his time with Salzburg, Bidstrup established himself as a key player, contributing to their Austrian Bundesliga title wins and Champions League campaigns. He joined Salzburg in January 2023 from Nordsjælland, making 34 appearances across all competitions for the Austrian side.
Lyon are preparing for a crucial season following their administrative relegation and subsequent immediate promotion back to Ligue 1. The club’s ownership group has emphasized the importance of building a competitive squad capable of challenging for European qualification. Bidstrup’s arrival addresses a need for a dynamic midfielder and provides further depth to Lyon’s options in the center of the park. The signing signals Lyon’s intent to be active in the transfer market and quickly establish a strong team for the upcoming season.
