Olympique Lyonnais have completed the signing of Danish midfielder Mads Bidstrup from RB Salzburg, the club announced on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has signed a long-term contract with Lyon, extending to 2031. The transfer fee is reported to be €10.5 million, with the potential for an additional €3 million in bonuses, as well as a 10% sell-on clause for Salzburg.
Bidstrup joins Lyon as they prepare for the third qualifying round of the Champions League. He will link up with the squad which began pre-season training on June 29th. The move provides Lyon with midfield reinforcement ahead of a demanding season that includes European competition.
Bidstrup has been a consistent performer for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, contributing both defensively and in possession. He made 34 appearances across all competitions for the club last season, establishing himself as a key component of their midfield. While he has been called up to the Danish national team in 2024, he is yet to earn a senior international cap.
Lyon are undergoing a period of rebuilding under coach Pierre Sage, aiming to return to the upper echelons of Ligue 1 after a period of relative underperformance. The acquisition of Bidstrup represents a strategic investment in a young, dynamic midfielder with the potential for further development. Salzburg, known for their strong youth development program, have once again facilitated a move for a promising player to one of Europe’s major leagues. The sell-on clause indicates Salzburg’s confidence in Bidstrup’s future value. This transfer strengthens Lyon’s midfield options and provides competition for places as they navigate a busy schedule.
