(Credit: Imago)

Cardoso transfer imminent as Tottenham hit new deadline agreement

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

07 Jul 2025, 9:00 am

Tottenham are pushing hard to make signings, having already secured several permanent deals.

Mohammed Kudus appears to be edging closer to a Spurs switch, with his heart set on a move to North London.

The West Ham winger would follow Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, and Kota Takai to the Lilywhites if an agreement can be reached.

Elsewhere, Tottenham were linked with a move for Real Betis's Johnny Cardoso earlier this year, and there has been a significant update on his future.

Kudus is edging closer to a move to North London (Credit: Hasan Karim)

Tottenham face deadline to sign Cardoso

Tottenham sold Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis last summer, and as part of the deal, they agreed a preferential option to sign defensive midfielder Cardoso.

The United States international was a consistent fixture for the Spanish side last season, making 28 La Liga appearances.

Johnny Cardoso's 2024/25 La Liga statistics	Total
Appearances	28
Goals	3
Assists	1
Touches	54.4
Accurate passes	33.9 (86%)
Total duels won	4.9 (53%)

Cardoso was a regular for Betis last season (Sofascore)

This summer, there has been significant interest in the 23-year-old, with a Betis exit looking increasingly likely.

It has been reported that Tottenham reserved a purchase option on Cardoso for £21.5million, according to Estadio Deportivo (7 July).

However, they note that the deadline for Spurs to secure such a deal is Monday (7 July), which includes a right of first refusal and 20 per cent of any capital gains.

Once this deadline has passed, then Betis can accelerate an agreement with Atletico Madrid in a fixed £21.5million deal.

As the Lilywhites are not expected to pursue a move for Cardoso, he is primed to become an Atleti player imminently.

Lo Celso became a Betis player last summer (Imago)

Spurs must shore up in central midfield

While the North London club are not to exercise a deal for Cardoso, they should still strengthen in the hub of midfield.

Thomas Frank does have several options in that position, but last season exposed the Lilywhites' weaknesses.

There are doubts over Yves Bissouma, who has been linked with a Tottenham exit this summer.

Elsewhere, Rodrigo Bentancur is a worthy option, while Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have huge futures ahead of them.

However, with Champions League football next season, Tottenham need players now who are up to the task.

There is plenty of time left in the window, and Spurs must now press on with pursuing quality for the heart of their midfield.

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Johnny Cardoso