Olympique Lyonnais sign Danish midfielder Mads Bidstrup from Salzburg for €10.5m

Olympique Lyonnais have officially announced the signing of Mads Bidstrup, a 25-year-old Danish defensive midfielder, from RB Salzburg. The transfer is worth €10.5m, with up to €3m in bonuses and a 10% sell-on clause on any future profit.

Bidstrup has signed a five-year contract until June 2031 and is OL’s first official signing of the summer transfer window. The player has already joined the Lyon squad, which resumed training two days ago.

Formed at FC Nordsjaelland — where he crossed paths with Ernest Nuamah, now also at Lyon — Bidstrup subsequently played for Brentford before establishing himself at Salzburg. His profile as a ball-winning midfielder, capable of defensive impact and assuming a leadership role, addresses an identified need in Lyon’s midfield.

“It’s an incredible feeling and a wonderful opportunity for me to join Olympique Lyonnais. I’m arriving at a great club, with an exceptional stadium and supporters,” he said in a club statement. “I love defending, taking responsibility and being a leader for the team. I’m really looking forward to playing in my new colours.”

This arrival comes as the situation of Corentin Tolisso also appears to be clarifying: the French international midfielder is reportedly on the verge of a two-year contract extension that would tie him to the club until 2029.