Tottenham Hotspur is facing a significant challenge in their pursuit of Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, as Atlético Madrid appears to be in a strong position to secure the player’s services. As reported by Diario de Sevilla, Tottenham had previously secured a preferential option to buy Cardoso for €25 million this summer, as part of last year’s transfer deal involving Giovani Lo Celso moving to Real Betis.
However, the time is running out for Spurs, as their option is valid only for this month. Reports indicate that Cardoso has already established an understanding with Atlético Madrid, expressing a preference to remain in La Liga rather than transferring to the Premier League. Atlético Madrid has reportedly made an initial offer of €30 million, including bonuses, which aligns with Real Betis’s valuation.
If necessary, Atlético may bolster their offer by including a promising young player in the deal to meet Real Betis’s €40 million demand. Given that Cardoso reportedly has no interest in joining Tottenham, this offers Atlético Madrid a significant advantage in the negotiation process.
Tottenham’s situation echoes previous challenges they have faced in securing players amid fierce competition from clubs in Spain. If a transfer agreement between Atlético and Real Betis is reached, it could mark another setback for Spurs in their efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season.
This situation highlights the competitive nature of football transfers and the varying preferences of players, as they weigh their options amidst lucrative offers. Ultimately, it remains to be seen how this story will unfold, but for Atlético, the potential signing of Cardoso could be a positive addition to their squad.