Tottenham face transfer turmoil as La Liga target prefers Atletico Madrid switch

Unfortunately, it looks like Tottenham are set to miss out on Cardoso despite striking a transfer arrangement with Betis. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Cardoso is not convinced about joining the Lilywhites, despite their Europa League triumph in Bilbao and the prospect of playing Champions League football next season. Instead, he has set his sights on a move to Atletico Madrid, and a full agreement with the player is looming large.

Cardoso had a quiet outing in the Conference League final against Chelsea but that has done no harm to his rising stock. The Denville-born star has proven himself in La Liga since 2023 and now looks ready to make the step up from Betis.

The aforementioned report adds Atletico Madrid have upped their ante to sign the enforcer after waiting until Betis’ involvement in the Conference League final came to an end. Cardoso will now head off for his vacations but when he returns to Spain, he could be an Atletico Madrid player.

Losing out on Cardoso will no doubt be a big setback for Spurs. The American has been extremely effective from his No.6 role under Manuel Pellegrini, providing balance, physicality and energy to the side. He also netted four goals across all competitions this past season, demonstrating his ability to chip in with valuable contributions at the other end of the pitch too.

With his qualities on and off the ball, the former Internacional man would have been a good fit at Tottenham. As Cardoso is set to reject Ange Postecoglou’s club in favour of a move to Atletico, the Lilywhites would have to turn their attention to other alternatives.

One important thing has to be noted that the North London club will earn money from any Cardoso sale thanks to a sell-on clause they agreed during their transfer of Lo Celso last year, and any sum should help us boost our summer transfer budget.