USMNT star Johnny Cardoso reportedly agrees to $35M transfer to Atletico Madrid from Real Betis

According to Fabrizio Romano, Cardoso is set to sign a five-year contract with Atletico, having emerged as the club’s primary target to bolster Diego Simeone’s midfield. The transfer is valued at €30m with an additional €2m in performance-related bonuses.

Born in Denville, New Jersey, Cardoso relocated to Brazil with his family as an infant. He launched his professional career with Brazilian outfit Internacional in 2019, before making his senior debut for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) a year later. He appeared 144 times for Internacional before completing a €6m (£5m/$7m) transfer to Real Betis in January 2024.

Cardoso’s impact at Betis was immediate and significant. Across 46 appearances in all competitions last season, he scored four goals and provided one assist, playing a key role in the club’s sixth-place La Liga finish and run to the Europa Conference League final, where they fell short against Chelsea.

Cardoso's arrival is timely for Atletico, with club captain and long-time leader Koke entering the final chapter of his career. He is seen as a potential long-term successor in the heart of Simeone’s midfield and is expected to compete for a regular role alongside the likes of Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo De Paul, Conor Gallagher, and Pablo Barrios.