Atlético de Madrid Strengthens Midfield with Johnny Cardoso
Atlético de Madrid has reached a verbal agreement with Real Betis to sign American midfielder Johnny Cardoso, according to sources close to the negotiation.
Cardoso, who has been a priority target for coach Diego Simeone, is ready to strengthen the midfield of the colchonero team next season.
The 23-year-old player has already agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid, and the club has agreed on a transfer fee exceeding 30 million euros.
Cardoso has a release clause of 80 million euros in his current contract.
Atlético sees Cardoso as an ideal player due to his experience in LaLiga, despite his youth. The midfielder, born in New Jersey and with an Italian passport, arrived at Betis in January 2024, coming from the Brazilian club Internacional.Johnny Cardoso has played only 11 minutes so far for the USMNT in the Gold Cup.Cardoso’s solid performances with Betis earned him a contract extension with the Seville club until June 2030.
Last summer, Betis signed midfielder Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur, and in doing so, gave Tottenham a priority option to sign Cardoso for a reported fee of 25 million euros.
Tottenham has until the end of June to exercise this option, but the arrival of Thomas Frank as the new coach, replacing Ange Postecoglou, complicated a possible transfer to North London.
