Atletico sign USA international Cardoso from Betis

Atletico Madrid have signed United States international Johnny Cardoso from LaLiga rivals Real Betis in a deal reportedly worth €30million.

Cardoso only joined Betis in January 2024, having spent the first five years of his senior career with Brazilian side Internacional.

The central midfielder made 28 appearances in LaLiga last season as Betis finished sixth – their fifth successive finish of seventh or higher.

As part of the deal that sent Giovani Lo Celso to Betis last year, Tottenham acquired a first-refusal option on Cardoso, but that expired on June 10 and left Atleti free to pursue the 23-year-old.

Cardoso, who has won 22 senior caps for the USA and is of Brazilian and Italian descent, has signed a five-year contract with Los Colchoneros.

Welcome, Johnny Cardoso!

Agreement with @RealBetis for the transfer of the U.S. international, who signs for five seasons with our club. pic.twitter.com/JHhzLVGlR0

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 16, 2025

Diego Simeone will hope Cardoso brings energy and bite to his midfield, having won 31 of his 55 attempted tackles for Betis in LaLiga last season.

Marcos Llorente (69 tackles, 52 successful) was the only Atleti player to better those figures, while Cardoso’s 48 interceptions were the most of any player for either Betis or Atleti.

Simeone’s side suffered a humiliating group-stage exit at the Club World Cup, finishing behind Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo on goal difference.

Cardoso is Atleti’s fifth signing of the transfer market, with Alex Baena, Matteo Ruggeri and Juan Musso also arriving, while Clement Llenglet has made his loan move from Barcelona permanent.