Atlético Madrid is planning to sign their first major signing ahead of the 2025–26 season, with reports that have confirmed that U.S. men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso is on the verge of completing a move to the Spanish capital.
Just a day after their disappointing group-stage exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, Atlético have quickly shifted focus to rebuilding their squad. According to Marca, the club has reached an agreement with Real Betis to sign Cardoso for a transfer fee of €30 million (\$34.8 million), with an additional €2 million (\$2.3 million) in performance-related add-ons.
The 23-year-old midfielder is currently with the U.S. national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup but is expected to complete the switch to Diego Simeone’s side in the coming days. Multiple sources, including Tom Bogert and Fabrizio Romano, have confirmed the deal is all but finalized.
Cardoso enjoyed a strong season under Manuel Pellegrini at Real Betis, in which he appeared in 24 of the 28 La Liga matches and helped the club reach the UEFA Conference League final. His constant playing has helped his club, and it was highly appreciated by the coach. Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers had expressed interest earlier this summer. However, he has decided to set on joining Atlético Madrid.
Born in the United States but raised in Brazil, Cardoso came through the youth ranks at Internacional and made his senior debut in 2019. In the past five seasons, he had featured in 144 matches for the Brazilian club before he secured a move to Betis in January 2024.
Cardoso has played 22 caps for the USMNT. If his development continues at Atlético, he could play a solid role for the national team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
With Cardoso’s arrival all but confirmed, Atlético are expected to push forward with their next target—Villarreal midfielder Álex Baena. Reports in Spain suggest a full agreement is nearing completion.
Atlético Madrid will be looking to bounce back in 2025–26 with a reinforced midfield and a renewed push to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title.
See also:
Nathan Saliba Signs Four-Year Deal with Belgian Giants Anderlecht
Jesse Marsch Cleared by CONCACAF, But Canada Soccer Fined for Gold Cup Protocol Breaches
Lyon Relegated to Ligue 2 Over Financial Concerns, Appeal Pending as Palace Waits on European Fate
Lyon Relegated to Ligue 2 Over Financial Issues – Club Vows to Appeal Decision
Lyon Relegated to Ligue 2 After Financial Review by DNCG
Join 500K Subscribers For Updates
