When Charlie Davies, the former United States Men's National Team striker, sat down on the Call it What You Want podcast last week, he didn’t just offer analysis—he dropped a transfer bombshell. "I do. I think they do initiate it," Davies said, referring to Tottenham Hotspur’s €25 million purchase option for Johnny Cardoso, the 23-year-old American midfielder at Real Betis Balompié. The comment, made on November 3, 2025, wasn’t casual speculation. It was the kind of insight only someone who’s played at the highest level—and watched closely since—could deliver.
Why This Move Makes Sense for Tottenham
Tottenham’s midfield has been a puzzle under Ange Postecoglou. They’ve got energy, they’ve got pace, but they’ve lacked a true number six—the anchor who reads the game, intercepts, and starts attacks with intelligent forward passes. Enter Cardoso. Born in West Orange, New Jersey, and now a fixture in La Liga, he’s made 144 appearances for Real Betis this season, scoring seven goals and consistently showing up in high-stakes matches. Davies pointed to Cardoso’s performance against Real Madrid CF as the defining moment: "When you score against Real Madrid on top of that, that only helps your stock." The purchase option was locked in back in July 2024, when Giovani Lo Celso returned to Real Betis after his loan spell. It wasn’t an afterthought—it was a strategic hedge. Tottenham Hotspur’s sporting director, Johan Lange, and his recruitment team have monitored Cardoso’s progress closely, sending scouts to Seville multiple times this season. And it’s not just about numbers. Cardoso doesn’t just win tackles—he finds space. He doesn’t just pass backward—he looks forward. That’s exactly what Postecoglou wants.Who Might Leave to Make Room?
Here’s the twist: Tottenham’s midfield is crowded. And if Cardoso arrives, someone’s got to go. Bryan King, a former Tottenham scout now working in European football, told Team Talk the decision would be "without any doubt" a forced exit. The two most likely candidates? Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr. Bissouma, 28, is in the final year of his contract. His physical style has worn thin under Postecoglou’s high-intensity system. Sarr, 22, is talented but inconsistent. Cardoso’s maturity, La Liga experience, and tactical discipline make him a better long-term fit.And here’s the kicker: €25 million (£21 million) is a steal. Cardoso’s market value, according to Transfermarkt, is already €32 million—and climbing. Davies called it "a bargain," and he’s right. For context, Tottenham paid €35 million for Yves Bissouma in 2022. Now, they’re looking at a younger, more dynamic player at a lower price, with a proven track record against Europe’s elite.
The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future
Tottenham’s youth academy is producing talent—19-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall and 18-year-old American Michael Craig are both on the radar. But they’re not ready for Premier League pressure yet. Cardoso offers immediate impact. He’s not a project. He’s a solution.This isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about identity. Postecoglou’s system demands midfielders who can transition from defense to attack in one touch. Cardoso does that. He’s the kind of player who turns a 50-50 challenge into a counterattack. He’s the glue between the backline and the forwards. And in a league where midfield battles are won by inches, that’s priceless.
What’s Next?
The summer transfer window opens in June 2025. Real Betis will want to keep Cardoso—especially after his standout season. But with Tottenham holding a fixed-price option, they’re in control. If the deal goes through, Cardoso will become the fifth American in Tottenham’s first team, joining Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, and the emerging Craig. It’s a quiet revolution: American players no longer just chasing opportunities in MLS—they’re becoming essential pieces in Europe’s top clubs.For fans, it’s about more than a transfer. It’s about vision. Tottenham’s recruitment team isn’t just buying players. They’re buying potential, timing, and intelligence. And if Cardoso arrives, it’ll be one of the most quietly brilliant moves of the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Johnny Cardoso such a good fit for Tottenham’s system?
Cardoso thrives in high-tempo systems because he excels at finding space between lines, winning second balls, and making progressive forward passes—exactly what Ange Postecoglou demands. His 144 La Liga appearances this season prove he can handle physical, tactical pressure, making him ideal for the Premier League’s intensity.
Is €25 million a fair price for Cardoso?
Yes. His current market value is €32 million, and he’s only 23 with a proven record against top teams like Real Madrid. For a player who fills a critical midfield gap and comes with a fixed option, it’s a bargain—especially compared to the €35 million Tottenham paid for Yves Bissouma in 2022.
What role did the Lo Celso deal play in securing Cardoso?
When Giovani Lo Celso returned to Real Betis on July 1, 2024, Tottenham included a purchase option for Cardoso as part of the same deal. This wasn’t a coincidence—it was a pre-planned strategy to secure a younger, more athletic replacement for Lo Celso’s role while locking in a price before Cardoso’s value rose further.
Who are the most likely players to leave if Cardoso signs?
Yves Bissouma, whose contract expires in 2025, and Pape Matar Sarr are the top candidates. Bissouma’s style doesn’t align with Postecoglou’s system, while Sarr, despite his potential, hasn’t yet shown consistent reliability. Cardoso’s arrival would make one of their departures inevitable.
How does Cardoso compare to other American midfielders in Europe?
Cardoso stands out for his consistency and tactical discipline. Unlike younger Americans still developing, he’s already a La Liga regular with 144 appearances. His ability to perform under pressure against elite clubs gives him an edge over peers like Brenden Aaronson, who’s still adapting to top-level football.
When will we know if Tottenham activates the option?
The option must be exercised by June 30, 2025. Rumors suggest internal discussions are already underway, and if Cardoso continues his form through May, activation is expected by early June. Real Betis will likely push for a higher fee, but Tottenham holds the contractual leverage.