Atletico Madrid on Verge of Landing USMNT Midfielder in Imminent Deal
Atlético Madrid are seeking to move past their underwhelming Club World Cup showing by focusing on strengthening their squad for the 2025–26 campaign.
Just one day following their elimination from the summer competition during the group phase, Atlético are reportedly on the verge of finalizing their initial signing of the transfer window, acquiring U.S. national team and Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso.
Marca indicates that Atlético are prepared to offer €30 million ($34.8 million) plus €2 million ($2.3 million) in performance-related bonuses to Real Betis for Cardoso to switch from green and white stripes to red and white stripes in La Liga for the upcoming season. Tom Bogert and Fabrizio Romano have also verified these reports.
Cardoso, who is presently playing for the USMNT in the Gold Cup, has concluded a strong campaign with Manuel Pellegrini's squad. He appeared in 28 La Liga fixtures, earning 24 starting positions and was instrumental in Betis's journey to the UEFA Conference League final.
English Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers were also reportedly pursuing the 23-year-old midfielder, however, Diego Simeone's team emerged as Cardoso's favored choice.
The New Jersey-born player developed through Brazilian club Internacional's youth system, reflecting his parents' heritage. He began his professional career with his boyhood team in 2019, making 144 appearances before transferring to Spain in January 2024.
Cardoso has earned 22 international caps for the USMNT and should he maintain his development in La Liga under Simeone's guidance, he could become a crucial player for Mauricio Pochettino's squad heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Cardoso's acquisition appearing imminent, Atlético will shift their attention to finalizing the rumored signing of Álex Baena, with a complete agreement with Villarreal anticipated in the near future.
Los Colchoneros aim to establish themselves as title contenders in La Liga once more next season, hoping to compete with Real Madrid and defending champions Barcelona.