Is Johnny Cardoso Ready for the Premier League? A Deep Dive into His Potential Move
In the world of soccer, transfer rumors can often be a double-edged sword. For some players, they bring about a sense of validation and confidence, while for others, they can be a source of distraction. For Johnny Cardoso, the 23-year-old midfielder for Real Betis, the speculation linking him to the Premier League seems to be doing the former. Cardoso has expressed that the interest from Tottenham is giving him a boost in confidence, making him feel valued for his performances on the pitch.
Since joining the LaLiga club in January 2024 from Brazilian side Internacional, Cardoso has become a regular fixture in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, with Tottenham reportedly having a priority option to sign him for a fee of £21 million (€25m) in the future.
In a recent interview with Diario de Sevilla, Cardoso shared his thoughts on the transfer rumors. “I can’t lie and it’s true that it’s something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I’m doing a good job,” he said. Despite the interest from the Premier League, Cardoso remains focused on his current club. “However, now my head is only in Betis. This season we have important things to think about,” he added.
Cardoso’s commitment to Betis is evident, especially as his contract with the club runs until June 2030. This season alone, he has made 33 appearances, showcasing his importance to the team. When asked if he would like to stay at Betis if they qualify for the next season’s Champions League, Cardoso was clear in his response: “Of course I would. It’s a team that has been my home since I arrived and I feel very good here.”
On the international stage, Cardoso was included in Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad for the Concacaf Nations League Finals earlier this month. Unfortunately, he had to withdraw due to a muscular strain. The U.S. team faced a tough time, losing 1-0 to Panama and then 2-1 to Canada, finishing fourth in the tournament.
Despite these setbacks, Cardoso remains optimistic about the future, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. When asked if the U.S. has the best team in the Concacaf, he confidently told ESPN: “Yes. We have a team that can progress a lot, we have a lot of youngsters in the team.”
Cardoso is also hopeful about the team’s development under Pochettino, who took over in September following the USMNT’s early exit from the Copa América on home soil. “The change of coach takes a little to get used to at the beginning because we have very little time when you only have camps for a week every three months,” Cardoso explained. “When we started with Pochettino we already had the mentality to learn and progress and put his style of play into practice. I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
- Johnny Cardoso is a 23-year-old midfielder for Real Betis.
- He joined Betis from Internacional in January 2024.
- Tottenham has a priority option to sign him for £21 million (€25m).
- Cardoso’s contract with Betis expires in June 2030.
- He has made 33 appearances this season.
- Cardoso was included in the USMNT squad for the Concacaf Nations League Finals but withdrew due to injury.
- The U.S. team finished fourth in the tournament.
- Cardoso is optimistic about the 2026 World Cup and the team’s future under Mauricio Pochettino.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Johnny Cardoso to see if he makes the leap to the Premier League. For now, his focus remains on Real Betis and their ambitions for the season. Whether he stays or goes, one thing is certain: Cardoso’s star is on the rise, and the soccer world is watching closely.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
