Atletico Madrid make Tottenham Hotspur target a priority

Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso has been one of the most impressive midfielders in La Liga since arriving 18 months ago, and it would be no surprise to see major clubs try to pry him from the Benito Villamarin this summer. The first to try could be Atletico Madrid. Cardoso, 23, only arrived from Internacional in January of 2024, but became an immediate starter under Manuel Pellegrini, and has performed brilliantly against Atletico and Real Madrid this season. After Betis missed out on Champions League qualification on Sunday though, their chances of keeping Cardoso were significantly reduced, due to what they can offer Cardoso in terms of a project and financially. According to Marca, at the time of writing, he is a priority for Director of Football Carlos Bucero. Originally they were after Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, who is out of contract this summer. Yet his wage demands, combined with his age, 32, have persuaded Bucero to shift attentions to the much younger Cardoso. He feels Cardoso fits in much bette