Atletico sign Betis' Cardoso to continue rebuild

Atletico Madrid signed US midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis on Wednesday for a reported 25 million euros ($29 million).

"Our club and Real Betis have reached a deal for the transfer of the midfielder... who will wear red and white for the next five seasons," Atletico said in a statement.

Born in New Jersey, the 23-year-old is a US international but is of Brazilian descent and has an Italian passport which allows him to be registered as an EU player.

On Tuesday, Atletico confirmed the arrival of 24-year-old Argentina attacker Thiago Almada from Brazilian side Botafogo.

Diego Simeone's side also brought in playmaker Alex Baena from Villarreal earlier this summer and Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta as they rebuild their squad following a disappointing 2024-2025 campaign which they finished empty-handed.

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