Breaking news- Pre-agreement reached between Spurs snd €25m star after Spanish clubs pull out of the race, deal set in place to get completed ahead of next summer
When Tottenham Hotspur finalized the transfer of Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis this past summer, they didn’t just close the door on one player’s time with the club. In a strategic move, Tottenham used this opportunity to secure a priority option for the young American midfielder Johnny Cardoso, allowing them a unique advantage in signing him should he continue to rise in prominence. Lo Celso’s move to Betis has been fruitful so far, as he’s making a strong impression in La Liga, while Cardoso, on his end, is consistently building on his successful last season, catching the eyes of major European clubs.
The 23-year-old USA international has shown significant progress, solidifying himself as an in-demand talent and drawing attention beyond his current club. According to recent reports from Estadio Deportivo, interest in Cardoso has been growing, with Atletico Madrid emerging as one of his biggest admirers. Diego Simeone, Atletico’s well-regarded head coach, is said to have taken a keen interest in Cardoso, and he’s even brought up the midfielder’s name in discussions with the club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta. Cardoso has now landed on Atletico’s shortlist of midfield signings—a list of targeted players whom Simeone sees as fitting for his team’s needs and long-term ambitions.
Amid the growing interest in Cardoso, Tottenham’s position remains uniquely advantageous. Thanks to the terms included in Lo Celso’s deal with Real Betis, Spurs have a right to sign Cardoso for a fixed transfer fee of €25 million, which they can execute anytime before early July 2025. While this isn’t quite a traditional ‘priority option’ that grants them exclusive negotiation rights, the pre-set fee provides Spurs with a head start, giving them the ability to secure Cardoso without having to enter a potential bidding war. This locked-in fee allows Tottenham to remain calm in the face of mounting competition, as they are in a prime position to activate their option if they believe Cardoso could be a valuable addition to their midfield.
Despite this advantage, other clubs are closely monitoring Cardoso’s progress. Although AC Milan has yet to make a formal move, Cardoso’s growing profile has led his representatives to field inquiries from a range of clubs in Turkey, Greece, and even the Saudi Pro League. However, none of these inquiries have materialized into formal offers, leaving the door open for Spurs and potentially Atletico Madrid if they decide to push forward. Still, the consensus in Spain remains that Tottenham is leading the race, as their option gives them a substantial edge over other interested parties. Should Atletico Madrid fail to act decisively, it’s highly likely that Cardoso will end up joining Tottenham, solidifying his future in the Premier League.
This potential move would further demonstrate Tottenham’s proactive approach in the transfer market under the guidance of sporting director Scott Munn and head coach Ange Postecoglou. By securing this option for Cardoso, Tottenham has positioned itself to add a versatile and dynamic midfielder capable of bolstering their squad’s depth. Known for his composure on the ball, physical presence, and tactical intelligence, Cardoso could fit well into Tottenham’s style of play. He could bring an additional layer of flexibility to the midfield, a crucial factor for a club competing both domestically and in European competitions.
In the bigger picture, this arrangement reflects Tottenham’s ambitious long-term strategy. They’re not only building a competitive team for the present but also making calculated investments in emerging talents who can adapt and grow within the club’s system. Cardoso’s potential signing illustrates the club’s dedication to forward-thinking recruitment, as they focus on players who align with their vision, both in terms of skill set and future potential.
If Cardoso were to join Spurs, he’d likely be seen as a developmental asset with the potential to make an immediate impact, depending on his adjustment to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. With players like James Maddison and Yves Bissouma leading Tottenham’s midfield, Cardoso would enter a highly competitive environment, which could accelerate his growth. The opportunity to train under Postecoglou could also prove beneficial for Cardoso, as the Australian manager is known for his ability to nurture young talents and integrate them effectively into the team’s tactical framework.
Ultimately, while Tottenham may face some competition for Cardoso, they hold a considerable edge with their pre-set fee option. The club’s forward-thinking maneuvering to include this option in the Lo Celso deal could allow them to secure a promising young talent at a reasonable price. If Atletico Madrid does not make a decisive move soon, all signs suggest that Cardoso could very well be heading to North London, where he’d have the chance to develop his skills at one of England’s top clubs.