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Tottenham have edge in transfer race, but they must win UEL to sign 23-year-old

Originally posted on the Boy Hotspur | Last updated May 21, 2025 4:00 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with a move for Johnny Cardoso every week.

The 23-year-old Real Betis midfielder could be on the move this summer, and Tottenham have a major advantage in the race to sign him. They secured an agreement with the Spanish club to sign the player for a fee of €25 million, when they agreed to sell Giovani Lo Celso to them.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to trigger the clause and bring him to North London this summer.

Spurs need to win the Europa League

According to a report from Spanish publication MARCA, even though they have an advantage to sign the player, the final decision will rest with Cardoso. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that Tottenham will be able to sign him this summer.

Atletico Madrid want to sign the player as well, and it remains to be seen how Spurs convince him to join the club.

The report claims that they might need to win the UEFA Europa League to convince the 23-year-old to join the club. Winning the competition will help them secure qualification for the Champions League next year. Top players will want to play in the Champions League regularly, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can produce a match-winning performance in the final later tonight.

Tottenham need Johnny Cardoso

Cardoso could prove to be a quality acquisition for them. He will add physicality and defensive cover to the side. The United States International has shown his ability in Spain, and he has the quality to do well in English football as well.

Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur have been linked with a move away from the club in the summer, and Spurs will need to replace them. The American International could be the ideal acquisition. He is young enough to improve further, and he could establish himself as a player for the club.

This article first appeared on the Boy Hotspur and was syndicated with permission.

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