Recently announced
Atlético Madrid has officially signed US men’s national team player Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis. Reports indicate that the transfer fee is an initial €24 million, with an additional €5 million in potential bonuses and a sell-on percentage, making the 23-year-old defensive midfielder one of the most expensive players ever to represent the USMNT.
Johnny Cardoso, originally from Denville, New Jersey, gained recognition while playing for Internacional in Brazil before moving to Real Betis for €6 million in January 2024. During his time in LaLiga, he showcased significant improvement, emerging as a reliable defensive midfielder with four goals and three assists across 45 league appearances, increasing his market value from €6 million to €25 million.
His impressive performances have attracted international attention. Last summer, Cardoso was part of a transfer deal that brought Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis from Tottenham, reportedly valued at €5 million. As part of that agreement, Tottenham acquired a priority option to sign Cardoso for approximately €25 million, although that option has yet to be exercised, especially following the club’s managerial changes from Ange Postecoglou to Thomas Frank.
What Will Johnny Cardoso Bring to Atlético Madrid?
What can Atlético Madrid anticipate from Cardoso? Recognized for his work ethic, Cardoso is anticipated to complement Diego Simeone’s tactical approach seamlessly. Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile in LaLiga with an impressive 2.01 interceptions per 90 minutes and in the 95th percentile with 2.69 clearances per 90 minutes, according to FBREF. Joining a prestigious club like Atlético Madrid is expected to significantly enhance his experience as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
