Atletico Madrid has announced their fourth signing of the summer, with Johnny Cardoso joining Alex Baena, Thiago Almada and Matteo Rugeri with the Metropolitano. Cardoso has signed a five -year -old deal with Atletico.
Cardoso has been strongly connected to Atletico since May, when it turned out that he was more enthusiastic about moving to Madrid Dan Tottenham Hotspur. The 23-year-old has been to Real Betis for the past 18 months and is impressed by Los Verdiblancos last season at the Conference League final.
Cardoso signs a contract until 2030 and is set on Atletico nearly € 30 million, according to Diario AS. Betis will also retain a percentage of a future sale, although it is not specified how much. Cardoso represents an important signature for Los Colchoneros, with Diego Simeone desperate to bring in a reliable bodyguard in midfield to guide more progressive players.
In the meantime, going the other way is Rodrigo de Paul. The Argentina International is talking to Inter Miami about a deal to become a member of countryman Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer and has already agreed personal conditions. Multiple reports that come from Argentina, from Cesar Luis Merlo and Gaston Edul, say that a deal has been packed.
The Paul leaves Atletico for € 15 million plus variables to join Inter Miami for a four -year -old deal. Los Colchoneros wanted to move De Paul, because he is only one year left on his deal and there was no sign of a new one on the horizon. The 31-year-old will leave four years after arrival for € 35 million, after he made 187 performances, scored 14 goals and received 26 assists.
With the exit of the Paul and addition of Cardoso, Atletico is on track to reform their midfield in the coming years. It is not yet clear how Diego Simeone will fit them all in the same team, but with Cardoso, Baena and Pablo Barrios for important roles, Los Rojiblancos have a new and young basis for building.