Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso has confirmed that there is an agreement in place for him to join Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window.
The Lilywhites offloaded Giovani Lo Celso back to the Green and Whites last year, and the club are said to have negotiated a move for Cardoso while discussing Lo Celso's transfer.
Betis and Spurs reportedly shook hands on an accord that could see Cardoso join Tottenham for £21m when the window opens, although they only have two weeks to activate the clause.
As a result, Cardoso cannot be considered a Spurs player just yet, but the midfielder recently confirmed the existence of an agreement with the Lilywhites when asked by Diario de Sevilla.
"I can't lie, and it's true that it's something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I'm doing a good job," said the USA international, as quoted by the Evening Standard.
"But I always try to improve and do my best for the benefit of the group and grow as a person on and off the field. However, right now my focus is only on Betis. This season we have important things to think about."
Cardoso opens door to Betis stay despite Tottenham agreement
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Cardoso came through the youth system with Brazilian side Internacional before joining Real Betis for just €6m (£5m) in the January 2024 window, signing a six-and-a-half-year deal until 2030.
The USA international has managed three goals and three assists in 52 matches for Manuel Pellegrini's team in that time, largely playing as a number six but also occupying a box-to-box midfield role.
Cardoso has managed two goals and one assist from 33 appearances in the current campaign, helping Betis cement a sixth-placed ranking in the La Liga table, eight points behind Athletic Bilbao in the final Champions League spot.
In spite of Spurs' agreement to sign Cardoso this season, he also opened the door to remaining in Seville, replying "Of course" when asked if he wanted to represent Betis in the Champions League.
Cardoso to replace 28-year-old at Tottenham?
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Should Tottenham take up their option to bring Cardoso to the club this summer, the USA international would join the likes of Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison and Yves Bissouma in the midfield ranks.
Bentancur and Bissouma are both out of contract in 2026, but while the former is expected to be offered a new deal, Spurs are believed to be open to letting Bissouma depart for the right price.
The Mali international has only started 14 Premier League games for Ange Postecoglou's side this season, and he is rumoured to have caught the eye of Marseille, Nice and Crystal Palace ahead of the summer window.
Spurs selling Bissouma to Palace could potentially help them beat Manchester United and Manchester City to another one of their apparent midfield targets this summer, while they are also said to be running the rule over a £50m Wolverhampton Wanderers lynchpin.
Postecoglou's men sit in a lowly 14th place in the Premier League table and face Chelsea next Thursday in their first game back following the international break.
Ben Knapton
