USMNT and Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso reportedly top target for Atletico Madrid

La Liga powerhouse Atletico Madrid are reportedly making U.S. international Johnny Cardoso their top midfield target this summer, according to ESPN.

Manager Diego Simeone has requested a defensive midfielder during the upcoming window, and the 23-year-old American from Real Betis is the player he has in mind to complete his team. Atleti reportedly view Cardoso as the ideal candidate due to his young age, experience already in the Spanish first division , and having helped take Betis to the UEFA Conference League finals in 2025.

Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, however, still hold a priority option on Cardoso as agreed during the January transfer window.

Cardoso arrived at Betis in January 2024 from Brazilian side Internacional, and after a stellar first six months, he earned a contract extension with the club until 2030 with a reported release clause of $90.7m (€80m) - but that figure is negotiable, per the report.

Atleti would like to negotiate a lower fee with Betis over the next month, so that Cardoso could join the club this summer ahead of preseason.

The 23-year-old was named to Mauricio Pochettino's 60-man shortlist for the CONCACAF Gold Cup this week, and is in contention to represent the club at this summer's international continental tournament in the USA.

Cardoso, born in Denville, N.J., has made 18 appearances for the USMNT since being recruited by former manager Gregg Berhalter. He also holds an Italian passport.

The 23-year-old will look to see his name announced on the final Gold Cup roster, which is reportedly set to be announced later this week. For Betis, meanwhile, their final La Liga game of the season arrives this weekend, and their Conference League final against Chelsea arrives on May 28.