Atlético de Madrid apunta a Johnny Cardoso para reforzar el mediocampo
Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso is Atlético de Madrid’s main target to strengthen their midfield in the upcoming summer transfer window. This has been confirmed by sources close to the club.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone considers the American international a key piece to complete his squad. Simeone has repeatedly requested a defensive midfielder in previous transfer windows.
Atlético tried to sign midfielder Éderson from Atalanta last year, but the deal did not materialize due to the high demands of the Serie A club. This led Simeone to rely on the versatility of Pablo Barrios and Koke to cover that position.
In January 2024, Atlético signed Arthur Vermeeren from Antwerp for 20 million euros to reinforce that position. However, the Belgian midfielder had limited playing time and joined Leipzig on loan for a season, with an option to buy this summer.
Despite Barrios’ good performance, 21, in the defensive midfield this season, Simeone considers it necessary to sign a player who provides solidity to the squad and, at the same time, gives Barrios more freedom to create play.
Atlético sees Cardoso as an ideal player due to his experience in LaLiga, despite his age, 23 years old. However, Tottenham Hotspur has a priority option on the American midfielder.
The player born in New Jersey, who also holds an Italian passport, arrived at Betis in January 2024 from the Brazilian club Internacional. His solid performances earned him a contract extension with the Seville club until June 2030. Cardoso has a release clause of 80 million euros in his contract, but that figure is negotiable.
The plan is for Atlético to negotiate a lower transfer fee with Betis next month so that Cardoso joins them this summer. In addition, Atlético’s veteran defender, César Azpilicueta, will leave the club once his contract expires on June 30.
Cristian Romero, Tottenham defender, is the main candidate that Atlético is considering to replace him. Atlético already knows that the player would be willing to join the club, but they are cautious, as they know that reaching an agreement with the Spurs will not be easy, as Romero also attracts the interest of the main European teams.
Regarding Atlético’s plans for their attacking line, they depend on Ángel Correa. The Argentine international has already announced his departure on social media, having reached an agreement to join the Tigres club of Liga MX.
However, Atlético insisted in a statement that Correa “has a contract with the club until June 30, 2026.”
Atlético is demanding a fee of 6 million euros from Tigres to release Correa. Tigres has not yet made an offer for the player. If Correa leaves, Atlético will have to go to the market to sign a forward.
Another of Atlético’s objectives this summer is to reinforce their left wing, without including Samu Lino in the list of players available for transfer. The Brazilian winger has several offers from European clubs to leave the club this summer.
