The start of the 2025/2026 La Liga season is around the corner. As such, it’s no surprise that teams are doing all they can to sign players who will help boost their respective squads. Johnny Cardoso is one name that has been flying around the transfer rumor mill. The United States National Team midfielder has now completed the long-rumored transfer from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid.
Here’s all we know about Johnny Cardoso’s move to Los Rojiblancos.
The latest on Johnny Cardoso’s completed transfer
Johnny Cardoso has signed a five-year deal with Atletico Madrid. According to ESPN sources, Cardoso was the Los Rojiblancos’ primary target to improve their midfield, and Real Betis and Atletico Madrid had earlier reached a verbal agreement. Cardoso has now signed the deal valued at about €30 million (£25.5m; $34.8m) and which will keep him in Madrid through 2030.
Why Johnny Cardoso will be a great fit for Atletico
If Atletico Madrid signs Johnny Cardoso before Tottenham, the midfielder will most likely be an excellent fit for Diego Simeone’s system. Currently, Los Rojiblancos are doing a total rehaul of their midfield. Koke, while being a stellar box-to-box midfielder back in the day, is aging. Players like Saul Niguez and De Paul aren’t at the peak of their powers either. So, before everything comes crashing down, Atletico is putting its faith in young talent to rejuvenate its midfield.
Analysts have recognized the rise of Johnny Cardoso in the La Liga, and you can find player prop picks for the USA international on SportyTrader. With his move to Atletico Madrid, you can also take advantage of SportyTrader’s match picks for Los Rojiblancos.
Diego Simeone could elevate Cardoso’s game
Diego Simeone has apparently also recognized Cardoso’s quality and has had his eye on him for a while. Cardoso suits what the club needs. The 23-year-old midfielder isn’t just versatile, he’s proven to be a great player in the Real Betis set-up. Last season, he was a key figure in the club’s progression to the Conference League final. He delivered impressive performances in his 65 appearances for the team, including notable matches against Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. During the final stretch of the 2024/25 campaign, Betis most notably held Barca to a draw.
However, Cardoso has yet to make his mark at the international level. Injuries prevented him from contributing meaningfully during the Gold Cup tournament, and his game in the USMNT still needs improvement. Playing under Simeone should prove helpful to the youngster, as the Argentine is not only one of the best managers in the game but has also played at a high level during his prime.
Atletico Madrid has finally gotten Cardoso’s signature. And with this young midfielder joining their ranks, the Los Colchoneros might finally have the midfield rigidity they’ve been searching for in recent seasons. Cardoso will also have a chance to improve his quality even further under Diego Simeone’s tutelage in one of Europe’s topmost football clubs.
