Spurs expected to sign defensive midfielder next summer

According to Spanish publication ABC de Sevilla, Real Betis believe it is a foregone conclusion that Tottenham Hotspur will take up their option to sign Johny Cardoso for 25 million Euros next summer.

This deal came as part of the deal that saw Giovani Lo Celso rejoin Betis on a permanent deal at the end of the summer transfer window, five years after he had left the Seville club for Spurs.

The USA men’s national team midfielder has impressed with his recent performances for Betis, with a number of people praising his performance against Atletico Madrid this past weekend.

The 23-year old played the whole 90 minutes in a 1-0 win for Betis, and recorded; 78 touches, two chances created, one big chance created, one shot off target, 3/5 successful dribble attempts, 8/12 ground duels won, five clearances, four interceptions, eight recoveries, and one shot blocked.

The midfielder was named in the WhoScored LaLiga team of the week for his performance, amongst the likes of Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. If you want to watch a compilation of his display – you can do so here.

The talk of Spurs needing an out and out defensive midfielder has risen again lately, with fans clamouring for a player in the midfield who is capable of putting out fires as the pivot player, particularly with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski playing as two very attack minded number eights.

Pape Matar Sarr is a midfielder who is capable of winning the ball back and giving other players the license to get on the ball, but his energy and style on and off the ball make him more suited to a box-to-box role. Finding a player who is capable of winning the ball back, but is also capable enough on the ball, to play in that holding role is hard to find in football.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma have had good and bad games when filling in there, but neither are specialists in that position.

Fortunately for Spurs, they may have stumbled across exactly that sort of player in Cardoso. The midfielder is also now plying his international trade under former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is known for his development of young players. He was called up to Poch’s first squad as manager earlier this month, but was forced to withdraw through an injury.

Some fans have even called for the club to bring him in this winter, however, the option is valid for two weeks - next summer. Most certainly an exciting prospect, and one for fans to keep an eye on over the coming months.