Brentford announces transfers of Mads Bidstrup to Red Bull Salzburg and Halil Dervisoglu to Galatasaray

Brentford has confirmed that Denmark Under-21 midfielder Mads Bidstrup has been transferred to Red Bull Salzburg, while striker Halil Dervisoglu is set to join Galatasaray.

Bidstrup, who had been with Brentford since July 2020, made 14 first-team appearances for the club, including playing a part in the Bees' promotion to the Premier League. In the 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship campaign, Bidstrup was on the pitch when Brentford beat Swansea City in the play-off final.

The 22-year-old also spent time on loan at Nordsjaelland in the second half of the 2021/22 season and in the following season, he made 30 appearances for the Danish Superliga side and won the club’s Player of the Year award.

Brentford's director of football, Phil Giles, expressed admiration for Bidstrup, stating, “Mads is one of the best professionals we have worked with over recent seasons. He is so dedicated and is someone who always scores highly on our athletic testing."

Giles acknowledged the necessity of the transfer, admitting that the club could not guarantee Bidstrup the regular playing time he needed at this stage of his career.

Meanwhile, Dervisoglu's departure to Galatasaray marks the end of his three-and-a-half years at Brentford, a period mostly spent out on loan.

Despite his 12 appearances for the Bees and his goal in an Emirates FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough, Dervisoglu spent productive spells with Galatasaray and FC Twente, as well as contributing to Burnley's promotion to the Premier League last season.

Reflecting on Dervisoglu's journey, Giles noted, “I’m sure that Halil will be disappointed that he leaves us having not played for Brentford anywhere near as much as he would have wanted. However, he has spent some time at Galatasaray already, is a Turkish international, and now has the chance to kick on with his career at a very big club."