USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso rewarded with new long-term contract at Real Betis

U.S. men's national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso has signed a new contract with Real Betis, the club announced on Tuesday.

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• Cardoso signs new deal with Real Betis
• Tied to the club through 2030
• Has drawn transfer interest from Tottenham, Barcelona and Wolves

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Betis announced on Tuesday that U.S. international Johnny Cardoso has re-upped with the club, signing a deal that will keep him tied to the Spanish side until 2030.

  The new contract comes just over a year after Cardoso made the move to La Liga, joining from Internacional in Brazil during the 2024 winter transfer window. The 23-year-old midfielder has played a total of 44 matches for Betis since making the move, serving as an integral lynchpin as a defensive-minded midfielder while also providing two goals and three assists.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The American has transitioned seamlessly to La Liga, which, in turn, has generated plenty of transfer rumors. Reports indicate that Tottenham have a right of first refusal on any deal involving Cardoso, who has also been linked to the likes of Barcelona and Wolves.

  "This [transfer interest] motivates me even more to continue working, evolving and seeking to achieve great goals. It has been a very special year, with a lot of learning and development. I have adapted very well here," Cardoso told Marca. "I think I have gained more experience, I have improved as an athlete both technically and tactically and I continue to evolve. I am still working to get better and better."

  Cardoso is also pushing for a USMNT starting spot under Mauricio Pochettino. The midfielder has largely been a backup since making his first USMNT appearance back in 2020. He's made a total of 18 USMNT appearances, with 14 of those coming in 2023 and 2024.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  For fans of American soccer, Cardoso isn't the only familiar face in the Betis squad. The club recently signed now-former Columbus Crew star Cucho Hernandez for a reported fee of $16 million plus potential additional add-ons.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL BETIS?

  Real Betis currently sit 10th in La Liga as they try to push up the table towards a European place, with that journey continuing this weekend with a visit to Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, the club is still alive in Europe this season and will face Gent in the Europa Conference League for a two-legged tie beginning on Feb. 13.