Atlético Madrid has completed the signing of United States international Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, agreeing to pay about €27 million up front with a further €5 million contingent on performance-related variables. The 23-year-old midfielder has signed a contract that runs until June 2030, becoming the latest reinforcement for coach Diego Simeone ahead of the 2025-26 season. Cardoso, born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents and capped 22 times by the U.S. national team, joined Betis in January 2024 after emerging at Brazil’s Internacional. He quickly became a regular under Manuel Pellegrini and helped the Andalusian club reach the 2025 UEFA Conference League final. His ball-winning ability and tactical discipline are seen as a good fit for Simeone’s system as Atlético looks to bolster its midfield following recent additions including Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada.