United States national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso has completed his transfer to Atletico Madrid from Real Betis, strengthening Diego Simeone\'s squad for the upcoming season.
ESPN sources confirmed that the 23-year-old was a priority target for Simeone, who sought to improve his defensive midfield options. Cardoso signed a five-year contract with the Madrid club.
Tottenham Hotspur held a priority option to sign the USMNT international as part of Giovani Lo Celso\'s 2024 transfer to Betis. However, Cardoso will remain in LaLiga after an impressive year-and-half spell at Betis.
The holding midfielder\'s dual citizenship benefits Atletico\'s squad planning. Born in the United States but of Brazilian descent with an Italian passport, Cardoso doesn\'t occupy a non-European Union slot in Simeone\'s squad.
Cardoso developed his career in Brazil before joining Betis in the 2023-24 season. He quickly became an important player under Manuel Pellegrini\'s guidance.
International Career Highlights
The midfielder earned his senior USMNT debut against Wales in 2020. He has collected 22 caps while winning consecutive Concacaf Nations League titles in 2023 and 2024.
Cardoso recently withdrew from Mauricio Pochettino\'s March Nations League squad due to a muscle injury.
Atlético also reached an agreement Tuesday to sign 24-year-old Argentina international Thiago Almada from Brazilian club Botafogo. The club previously added midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal and 22-year-old Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta.
Simeone\'s team finished third in LaLiga last season behind Real Madrid and champions Barcelona. They were eliminated in the Club World Cup group stage.
Via ESPN