Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso is moving ever closer to a move away this summer. But despite Tottenham Hotspur having a first option in place to buy the star, the latest update from Fabrizio Romano suggests he’ll be staying in Spain for his next move.
Spurs to Lose out as Jonny Cardoso Agrees Personal Terms with Atletico Madrid
The Latest on Cardoso Transfer
Cardoso only recently extended his contract with Betis in February until 2030. He has been an important player for the Spanish club, making 28 La Liga appearances while scoring three goals and getting one assist. The American even started in the UEFA Conference League final.
But the latest reports suggest that he has agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid and the talks are now advancing to complete a deal with Real Betis. The current offer stands at around £25 million or €30 million.
Fabrizio Romano said: “Atlético Madrid have reached an agreement with Johnny Cardoso on personal terms and advancing in talks to get deal done with Real Betis.
“Package deal around €30m with bonuses and also potential players as part of the agreement now being discussed.”
Meanwhile, fellow Italian journalist Matteo Moretto has described Cardoso as one of Diego Simeone’s ‘main targets’ [translated] to strengthen his midfield. He has also affirmed that Cardoso remains a ‘very important player’ for Betis and that there will be ‘no quick negotiation’ for the transfer fee.
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What Happened to the Tottenham Cardoso Deal
Originally, Spurs agreed to have the first option to sign Cardoso for a fee of around £21 million which came about as part of the Giovani Lo Celso deal.
Spurs’ first option has a specific two-week window in which to buy the player
But even if Spurs choose not to go ahead with the transfer, the club are meant to have a sell-on clause of around 20%.
Cardoso previously revealed in March that he felt boosted by Tottenham’s interest, but at the time, he affirmed his commitment to Betis.
He said: “I can’t lie, and it’s true that it’s something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I’m doing a good job…However, right now my focus is only on Betis. This season we have important things to think about.”
As it currently stands, Tottenham have not activated the first option to sign Cardoso. Other rumours among Spurs fans have speculated that Cardoso has ‘rejected’ outright a move to Tottenham, but there is yet any substantiated source to back this up.