USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso completes Atletico Madrid transfer for reported $35 million fee

Johnny Cardoso has completed has transfer to Atletico Madrid, the club announced on Wednesday. The 23-year-old U.S. men's national team midfielder has made the big move from fellow La Liga side Real Betis after the clubs agreed to a deal for a reported $35 million. Cardoso has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, keeping him in Madrid through 2030.

Cardoso really broke through with Real Betis last season, although he did show signs of his promise in his first half-season upon arriving in Spain in January 2024. He was a key figure in the club's run to the Conference League final while also putting in big performances against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. In total, he made 65 appearances for Betis.

Now, though, he'll make a significant leap up the ladder to Atletico Madrid, traditionally one of Spanish soccer's powers. Cardoso will reportedly replace Rodrigo De Paul, who is linked with a big move to join international teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

The move is a massive one for Cardoso, who has certainly earned it with his play on the club level. His performances on that side have never been questioned, but he still does have plenty to prove with the USMNT less than a year out from the World Cup.

Despite his star play in La Liga, Cardoso's game has yet to truly translate to the USMNT, where he's not yet won a spot with a signature performance. He's largely been error-prone, headlined by a poor giveaway against Turkey ahead of the Gold Cup, and injuries prevented him from really making a mark on the ensuing tournament.

Playing under Diego Simeone, who hails from Argentina like USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, should prove helpful for the midfielder, who will now be learning from two of the game's best managers, both of whom also played at a very high level.

Cardoso was born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents and moved back to Brazil when he was three months old. He broke through originally with Brazil's Internacional before making his big move to Betis. On the international level, he earned his first senior call-up for the U.S. in November 2020 and has gone on to earn 22 senior caps.

Atletico Madrid, who finished third in La Liga last season, played in this summer's Club World Cup, but were shockingly eliminated from the group stage on goal difference despite amassing six points. They'll return for preseason soon, beginning with an Aug. 3 friendly against Porto.