Tottenham Hotspur are making preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window, with Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso emerging as a key target for the club.
As part of the deal that saw Giovani Lo Celso return to Betis last summer, Spurs secured a €25 million purchase option for Cardoso.
With the transfer window drawing closer, speculation is mounting over whether the North London club will exercise the clause to bring the American international to the Premier League.
Former USMNT striker Charlie Davies and pundit firmly believes that Tottenham will activate the option, especially after Cardoso’s impressive displays in La Liga. He pointed out that the midfielder’s recent performance against Real Madrid, where he found the back of the net in a crucial victory, only adds to his growing reputation.
Davies further stated that the 23-year-old midfielder’s ability to perform at the highest level, coupled with his consistency throughout the season, makes him a valuable addition for Spurs.
The pundit considers the pre-negotiated transfer fee to be a bargain, particularly given the player’s current trajectory. While Tottenham already possess young midfield talent such as Lucas Bergvall, he sees Cardoso as someone who could thrive in the Premier League.
Speaking on Call it What You Want podcast, Davies remarked:
“I do. I think they do initiate it. When you score against Real Madrid on top of that, that only helps your stock. It only shows that you’re capable of playing in the biggest matches against the biggest opponents. So, yes, I think it’s probably a clause that is not too crazy either.
“I absolutely see Tottenham taking this because it’s a bargain, I think, given how he’s been able to play this season in La Liga. Yeah, I just wonder how they utilise him. You have a couple of players that maybe… I mean, Bergvall, they have Bergvall, who’s been getting a lot of minutes, the 19-year-old Swedish International.
“I like his game a lot. They’re not like-for-like players, but yeah. I mean, I would love to see him get a crack at the Premier League, but I kind of like the run that he’s on right now with Betis.”
Johnny Cardoso impresses with performances in La Liga
Cardoso has enjoyed steady progress in his career since making his professional debut with Internacional in Brazil. He moved to Real Betis in December 2023 on a five-year contract and has since become a vital player under Manuel Pellegrini, featuring in 32 matches across all competitions while contributing two goals and an assist this season. (Transfermarkt)
Although Betis extended Cardoso’s contract until 2030 last month, signalling their desire to keep him, Tottenham hold the power to complete the transfer if they trigger the purchase option.
As the summer window approaches, Spurs will soon have to make a final decision on whether to bring Cardoso to North London.