Johnny Cardoso is leaving Betis to Atlético de Madrid. The Colchoneros team has already agreed with the 23-year-old USMNT midfielder. It is only negotiating the details now with Betis, according to Fabrizio Romano. The bid includes €30 million, performance bonuses, and players. The Andalusian club is mulling over the options slowly.
Betis are looking for €40 million, while Atlético are offering €30 million with add-ons, but nothing has been agreed yet. The difference in valuation is what is preventing anything being agreed as yet.
USMNT star of the past season
Cardoso is one of the linchpins of the team on the pitch. He was the second most played Betis player in the past season, with 3,387 minutes over 46 games, which are figures which vindicate the club's hesitation to let such an important footballer go. Not only did he fill the role in midfild, but he also provided defensive balance and good pass when the construction of the game was being played. He is one of the pillars of the plan of Manuel Pellegrini.
Despite another alternative in the race, like the purchase option of Tottenham worth 25 million euros, the wish of the player is Atlético de Madrid. The Premier League, at least temporarily, is not on his radar. The Atlético project under Diego Simeone appears better aligned with Cardoso's long-term aspirations.
The Argentinian coach has been tracking the rising USMNT talent over several months. In the meantime, Simeone has recognized him as the ideal candidate for one role missing in the team: the classic, physical, clever, and reliable holding midfielder.
Cardoso has a personality that fascinates the Colchoneros
Atlético de Madrid sees Cardoso's signing as solution now and in the future. He does not occupy space as foreign because he is Italian, and he has the age to reach his potential under a hard-tackling coach. Koke is losing the starring role and De Paul can be sold. Under these circumstances, such a regular player as Cardoso takes his rightful place.
Apart from the soccer aspect, his off-pitch demeanor is also endearing. Cardoso is low-key off the pitch, dedicated in training, and does his job on game-day. He is not one to be in the headlines off the soccer pitch. He speaks his mind in the changing room. He does his job on the pitch. He is the kind of player managers quietly rate, fans come to adore over time,