After agreeing to sign Johnny Cardoso, a midfielder, Atletico Madrid is very close to making their third summer acquisition. After weeks of negotiations, Los Colchoneros have reached an agreement with Betis, although the USMNT star has been under a personal agreement for a number of weeks. After only 18 months at Betis, 23-year-old Cardoso made an instant impression in La Liga and soon established himself as a starter under Manuel Pellegrini. In exchange for a discount on Giovani Lo Celso, Betis agreed to include a €25 million buyout provision in his contract with Tottenham Hotspur last summer. However, Cardoso's wish to join Atletico has put a stop to any plans the Spurs may have had to make a bid.
According to Marca, a contract for €30 million plus variables based on short-term goals has finally been agreed for Cardoso, despite Atletico's first offer of €25 million plus variables. How much that will amount to is still unknown.