Tottenham Hotspur are on course to trigger their opportunity to purchase Johnny Cardoso during the summer transfer window as influential figures at Hotspur Way are adamant that the Real Betis star's value has already risen since they initially agreed a deal less than 12 months ago, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although Spurs will need to spend £20.9million of their budget on Kevin Danso, due to having an obligation to buy the central defender at the end of his initial loan spell from Lens, boss Ange Postecoglou is eager to welcome fresh faces to north London ahead of the 2025/26 campaign getting underway.
Champions League action could still be on the cards next term, thanks to heading into their Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt with a commanding lead, and Tottenham are aiming to show ambition having made Dominic Solanke the most expensive acquisition in their history in August.
Spurs to Profit from Pre-Agreed Cardoso Deal
Midfielder in line to join north Londoners for less than market value
Tottenham are planning to take advantage of their option to buy Cardoso in the summer, according to GMS sources, as there is an increasing belief behind the scenes that he would be a worthwhile investment in their bid to upgrade a squad aiming to end their lengthy wait for silverware.
Although Premier League rivals Manchester United have been threatening to enter the race for the defensive midfielder, thanks to sending scouts to watch him in action for Real Betis, Spurs have the upper-hand in proceedings after reaching an agreement with his current employers last year.
GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham will have a two-week window in which to sign Cardoso for the pre-agreed fee of £21million and, after seeing him play a key role in a UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg win over Fiorentina earlier this week, are aiming to pounce.
The United States international, who has been described as 'extraordinary' by Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo, has remained a key part of the La Liga side's plans throughout the campaign despite an awareness that he could embark on a fresh challenge in north London in the coming months.
Tottenham are confident that they are in line to acquire Cardoso for less than his true market value as it is thought that he is now worth in the region of £10million more than the fee they are poised to pay, GMS sources have learned, while Los Verdiblancos will look to sanction a move to an alternative destination if the capital club make a U-turn on their stance.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Johnny Cardoso has been averaging five ball recoveries and 2.3 clearances per La Liga outing this season
Postecoglou in Good Position to Sign Cardoso
Fellow admirers will have to pay premium for 23-year-old
GMS sources have been told that Postecoglou and key decision-makers at Tottenham still believe they are in a comfortable position to win the race for Cardoso even though potential Europa League final opponents Manchester United have started showing interest, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen to secure his signature.
There have been suggestions that Wolves are prepared to triple the 23-year-old's salary, with head coach Vitor Pereira determined to bolster his options in the middle of the park, but Spurs have remained optimistic that they are in the driving seat and will be able to lure him into new surroundings.
Tottenham are aware that fellow suitors will have to pay a premium in order to beat them to Cardoso's services, GMS sources understand, and he is increasingly likely to become the first fresh face to head to north London when the transfer window reopens for business in the summer.
The former Internacional man is not the only midfielder in Postecoglou's sights ahead of next season as GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs could make an enquiry over Conor Gallagher's availability if Atletico Madrid aim to recruit Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 02/05/2025