Tottenham Hotspur Poised to Sign "Excellent" Midfielder This Summer
An "excellent" midfielder is now increasingly likely to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, following a series of impressive performances in recent weeks, according to reports.
Bissouma Set to Be Replaced as Spurs Plan for the Long-Term
Yves Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of the 2022-23 season, has seen his role diminish this campaign. Often relegated to the bench or used as a substitute, the midfielder is reportedly no longer a key figure under manager Ange Postecoglou.
As a result, Spurs are believed to be open to selling Bissouma this summer, paving the way for a new midfield addition. Among the potential targets are Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, valued at around £66 million, and Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso. Reports from February indicated that Tottenham is leading the race for Cardoso, thanks to a clause that grants them first option on the 23-year-old American.
Cardoso to Spurs Gains Momentum
GiveMeSport has now provided an update on Tottenham’s pursuit of Johnny Cardoso, suggesting that the North London club is increasingly likely to activate the midfielder’s £21 million release clause this summer. Positive talks with Real Betis were held back in August, and Cardoso has continued to impress since then. His standout performance in a recent La Liga match against Real Madrid, where he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory, has further bolstered his reputation.
Spurs view the £21 million outlay as a savvy investment, though they are still assessing whether Cardoso would be the right fit for Postecoglou’s system. If signed, he could serve as a direct replacement for Bissouma, with the Malian midfielder potentially being sold to free up funds.
Cardoso’s Impressive Defensive Prowess
Cardoso’s playing style is characterized by his deep-lying role and defensive strengths, as highlighted by freelance scout Ben Mattinson. The USA international excels in several key defensive metrics, as shown in the comparison below:
| Statistic per 90 | Johnny Cardoso | Yves Bissouma |
|---|---|---|
| Interceptions | 2.03 (99th percentile) | 1.32 (76th percentile) |
| Blocks | 1.37 (69th percentile) | 0.64 (5th percentile) |
| Clearances | 2.49 (94th percentile) | 2.31 (88th percentile) |
| Aerials won | 1.57 (84th percentile) | 0.60 (32nd percentile) |
| Tackles | 2.53 (76th percentile) | 3.16 (91st percentile) |
Cardoso’s defensive contributions, particularly in interceptions, blocks, and aerial duels, suggest he could be a significant upgrade on Bissouma.
A Smart Move for Spurs
Tottenham’s negotiation of a £21 million release clause for Cardoso appears to be a shrewd piece of business, especially given his performances in La Liga. If he maintains his current form, triggering the clause this summer would be a worthwhile investment for the Lilywhites as they continue to strengthen their squad under Postecoglou’s leadership.
