According to Florian Plettenberg, Nottingham Forest have placed RB Salzburg captain Mads Bidstrup at the top of their summer midfield shortlist after selling Danilo to Botafogo.
Nottingham Forest have turned their attention to RB Salzburg captain Mads Bidstrup as they continue their midfield rebuild ahead of a European campaign.
That’s according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, who reports that Forest have made the 24-year-old Dane a top target, with the club keen to replace Danilo, who recently joined Botafogo in a permanent deal.
Bidstrup, who joined Salzburg from Brentford for €6m in 2023, has emerged as one of the Austrian club’s standout performers and is now being considered for a Premier League return.
Who is Mads Bidstrup?
Currently captain at RB Salzburg, Bidstrup is a high-energy, press-resistant midfielder who has played a key role in Salzburg’s domestic and European campaigns.
Since arriving from Brentford, the former RB Leipzig U19 player has registered 4 goals and 4 assists in 83 appearances, showcasing consistency, leadership, and versatility in the middle of the park.
“Forest have moved Bidstrup to the top of their shortlist. Internal discussions ongoing — club exploring a summer bid,” reported Florian Plettenberg.
Why Nottingham Forest Want a Midfielder
After qualifying for the Europa Conference League, Forest are planning a deep squad reshuffle under their sporting leadership. The sale of Danilo to Botafogo created a clear gap in midfield, and the club have been linked with multiple replacements — including Douglas Luiz, who remains a priority target from Juventus.
With Luiz’s deal still in progress, Bidstrup is now being monitored as a more affordable and attainable alternative.
Mads Bidstrup – RB Salzburg Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 24 |
| Appearances | 83 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Captain Since | 2024 |
| Previous Club | Brentford |
Analyst Verdict
Bidstrup would bring work rate, leadership, and European experience to a Forest side preparing for a packed domestic and continental calendar. While he may not offer the attacking flair of Douglas Luiz, his energy and pressing intelligence fit well with Forest’s recent tactical direction.
A return to England could also appeal to the player, who only managed 367 minutes across 14 appearances during his brief Brentford spell.
Key Insights
- Nottingham Forest want to sign a new midfielder after selling Danilo
- RB Salzburg captain Mads Bidstrup has been added to the top of the shortlist
- Douglas Luiz remains a target, but Bidstrup is a more affordable alternative
- The Dane has 83 games, 4 goals, 4 assists since joining Salzburg
- Forest preparing for Conference League and need deeper midfield options
What’s Next?
Forest are expected to continue talks internally before deciding whether to submit an official offer for Bidstrup. Much depends on progress with Douglas Luiz, but a move for the Salzburg captain could advance quickly if Luiz proves too costly.
Expect further developments within the week as Forest finalise their midfield shortlist.
Should Forest go for Bidstrup now — or wait on Douglas Luiz?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 5 Aug 2025 16:31
As a Leeds fan I really like what Forest are doing! Not only do they belong in the league, they should be top 6 football club in the PL! So if they get this lad and Luiz they’ve a very good window!
By JamesLove 5 Aug 2025 16:31
But, they only have Woods as a striker am I right?
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