Spurs target £25m “extraordinary” midfielder as potential Bentancur upgrade

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso as a potential upgrade over Rodrigo Bentancur in the center of the park.

According to reports from Spain, Spurs are “really interested” in the 23-year-old American international, who has impressed for Betis this season. The North London club negotiated a £25 million option to sign Cardoso when selling Giovani Lo Celso to Betis last summer, giving them an advantage in pursuing the midfielder.

While AC Milan, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are also said to be keen on Cardoso, Tottenham’s option puts them in pole position to land the player dubbed “extraordinary” by Betis director Manu Fajardo.

Cardoso has outperformed Bentancur statistically this season in several key areas:

– Non-penalty expected goals + assists: 0.23 vs 0.10
– Key passes per 90: 0.57 vs 0.30
– Successful take-ons per 90: 1.39 vs 0.91
– Tackles won per 90: 1.68 vs 1.60
– Interceptions per 90: 2.32 vs 1.93
– Clearances per 90: 2.87 vs 1.31

The American’s superior defensive numbers and all-around play suggest he could provide an upgrade over Bentancur in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield. At 23, Cardoso also fits the profile of a younger player who could be molded into a key part of Spurs’ future plans.

With Tottenham struggling this season and looking to reinforce the squad, activating their option on the “ball-winning” Cardoso could prove a shrewd move to bolster their midfield options going forward. The club will need to act decisively in the summer to beat other interested parties to his signature.