Real Betis -midfielder Johnny Cardoso has been one of the most impressive midfielders in La Liga since 18 months ago, and it would be no surprise to see big clubs trying to pry him from the Benito Villamarin this summer. The first to try it could be Atletico Madrid.
Cardoso, 23, only arrived from Internacional in January 2024, but an immediate starter under Manuel Pellegrini and this season performed brilliantly against Atletico and Real Madrid. However, after Betis had missed the Champions League qualification on Sunday, their chances of keeping Cardoso were considerably reduced because of what they can offer Cardoso in terms of a project and financially.
According to Marca, he is a priority for Football Carlos Bucero at the time of writing. Originally they were behind Arsenal's Thomas Partey, who no longer has a contract this summer. Yet his wage requirements, combined with his age, have persuaded Bucero to switch to the much younger Cardoso. He believes that Cardoso fits much better with the Atletico project and believes that they can sign him for only € 25 million, although Cardoso should make the deal green light.
However, one thing to be in factor is the first-reflus and purchase option that Tottenham Hotspur has on Cardoso. As part of the deal to reduce Giovani Lo Celso last summer, Betis contained a purchase option of € 25 million between 20 June and 10 July for Spurs On Cardoso. They also have the chance to match a higher offer. Atletico, however, believes that betis will be willing to do business for the same compensation, despite its release clause of € 80 million.
Moreover, there is the curious case of Angel Correa. If the Argentinian indeed leaves, Atletico will look for an attacker to do a similar task as Correa, namely someone who can have a big impact of the bank. Various names are viewed, say Diario as, including free agent Javi Puado, Darwin Nunez from Liverpool, Goncalo Ramos by Paris Saint-Germain, Wolves' Fabio Silva and Botafogo's Thiago Almada.