Atletico Madrid agree terms with USMNT star
With Real Betis' season ending on Wednesday night, their transfer business is getting underway in earnest. One of the most likely exits is USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who has made an impact ever since arriving in Seville.
Cardoso, 23, was signed from Internacional in Brazil in January of 2024, and more or less locked down a starting role immediately. Betis have already extended his contract, but last summer agreed a €25m sell clause with Tottenham Hotspur, in exchange for a reduction in price on Giovani Lo Celso.
Priority target for Atletico Madrid
Spurs are reportedly interested in Cardoso for next season, but require the green light from the player in order to make a move. Their issue is that Atletico Madrid have made him a priority target. Marca say that after the Conference League final, Atletico have now made formal contact, after both sides expressed an interest in a deal several weeks ago.
Image via Joaquín Corchero / AFP7 / Europa Pres
Their information is that Cardoso has given the green light for a deal, and there is a verbal agreement on personal terms for a contract that will run four or five seasons.
Negotiation ahead with Real Betis
Now Atletico must open talks with Betis. Cardoso has a contract until 2030 and a release clause of €80m, but their expectation is that they will be able to close a deal for a fee not too distant from the €25m that Spurs would have to pay. Betis do hold an interest in Rodrigo Riquelme, who could be a factor in negotiations, although Atletico are also attempting to include him in a deal for Villarreal's Alex Baena.
Cardoso will not be available for Club World Cup
While the hope at the Metropolitano is that they can close a deal for Baena in time for the World Cup, Cardoso would not be available. He is set to join up with the USMNT, as they prepare for the Gold Cup this summer, hence any deal they do strike will go through in July.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Photo: Trent Alexander-Arnold links up with Real Madrid legend
Newly-signed Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold this weekend posed for a photo with a legendary ex-member of the defensive ranks in Spain's capital. This, of course, comes ahead of the Englishman's imminent arrival in Spain. Advertisement The name of full-back Alexander-Arnold has dominated the headlines in Madrid for several days now. This comes after the departing Liverpool star's Blancos switch was at last made official, TAA having put pen to paper on a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabéu. Before linking up with his new teammates with a view to the Club World Cup, though, Alexander-Arnold has been afforded some time away from the pitch, to unwind. The 26-year-old, in turn, made use of the opportunity to attend Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in Spain. And whilst at the track, Alexander-Arnold found himself crossing paths with a once-beloved defender at Real Madrid. Advertisement The player in question? Roberto Carlos. As showcased in the photo below, the new and former Blancos stars were all smiles after bumping into one another earlier this afternoon: Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Italy: Spalletti's press conference live
Follow Luciano Spalletti's press conference live as Italy prepare for World Cup qualifying matches against Norway and Moldova. The Azzurri begin their World Cup qualification journey on June 6 in Oslo against Erling Haaland's Norway. The second game will be played on June 9 at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. Advertisement Norway have already taken a commanding lead in Italy's Group I, winning their opening two games. The Azzurri will make their debut next week after facing Nations League quarter-finals elimination at the hands of Germany in March. epa11984392 Head coach Luciano Spalletti of Italy gesutres during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, 2nd leg match between Germany and Italy in Dortmund, Germany, 23 March 2025. EPA-EFE/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL Football Italia will cover Spalletti's press conference live from the Azzurri training centre in Coverciano. Every word Spalletti said about Italy, Inter and Champions League The Azzurri boss will predictably speak about upcoming games, as well as Inter's Champions League Final defeat against PSG last night. On the other hand, Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma won the Champions League for the first time in his career and will reach Coverciano in the coming hours alongside Inter's Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco and Francesco Acerbi. Advertisement Follow Spalletti's press conference LIVE below VERDICT ON INTER – 'I still think it's been an exceptional season because they reached the end of all the competitions, but had to give way to very strong teams like Napoli, PSG, and Milan. I would place more emphasis on Inter's journey than on the defeats. I believe they managed to achieve things that are extremely difficult to carry through when you're at that level. I know it well. I am aware of the challenges that exist within. Watching those matches, such as against Barcelona and Bayern, what they did in those Champions League victories was extraordinary. 'Of course, there's disappointment because several factors come together that are hard to defend against. It's normal not to be at your best in certain games during such an intense season. What really deserves to be highlighted is the great work they've done. They've reached the Champions League final twice in three years. That takes a kind of strength that isn't easily shaken, and they've proven themselves to be great players in a great club—even if, unfortunately, they lost. 'It's in matches of this level that you truly show what kind of person you are and how much strength you have. Right now, naturally, it feels like their world is collapsing, and we'll use that to rebuild a lot through this upcoming match. If I were in their shoes, I'd feel lucky to have the chance to immediately play for something extraordinary and beautiful, like bringing Italy to the World Cup.' Advertisement WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – 'Let's be clear: in Norway, everything is on the line when it comes to whether or not we'll qualify for the World Cup. The players and I are fully aware of it—we mentioned this in yesterday's meeting with Gigi present. We have a duty to fulfil this task that's been entrusted to us. We need to qualify because it's absolutely crucial for us. DONNARUMMA – 'Donnarumma once again showed that he's the best of all, even last night. Outstanding, magnificent in the saves he made in the Champions League, which we all saw. But also during the league season, he pulled off incredible interventions—at the very limit of what's possible. We also have others who have won European competitions. It gives us strength to have champions of this calibre, who have lifted trophies and played for a place on the European podium. ACERBI – 'Acerbi did not respond to the call-up—we acknowledge that and move forward. It's not a physical issue; he reflected on everything that happened around him. That's why I called him up. I've said several times that I have to pay close attention to what the league presents, especially considering what he has shown during this period. 'He had previously expressed some doubts, and it's true that we're reaching the end of the season, out of breath. It hasn't been easy to make these call-ups.' More to follow
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Man Utd confirm deal for Wolves' Cunha
Manchester United have agreed a deal with Wolves for the signing of Brazil striker Matheus Cunha. The 26-year-old is set to become United's first signing of the summer after the club activated a £62.5m release clause in Cunha's Wolves contract. Advertisement The former Atletico Madrid forward will sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months. Cunha was in Manchester over the weekend to complete a medical with the club. The deal, which is subject to visa approval and registration procedures, is expected to be completed once Cunha returns from international duty with Brazil later this month. Cunha left the Lowry Hotel in Salford on Sunday morning to join up with the national side. Brazil face Ecuador on Thursday (Friday 00:00 BST) in a World Cup qualifier, which will be Carlo Ancelotti's first game in charge. The forward scored 31 goals in 76 appearances for Wolves after completing a permanent move in 2023. Advertisement He joined the club in a £35m deal from Atletico Madrid, following a successful six-month loan spell the previous season. Ruben Amorim is keen to strengthen United's attack this summer after the club's worst-ever Premier League campaign - they finished in 15th.
