Johnny Cardoso has revealed that Tottenham having an option to sign him this summer is something that gives him confidence and makes him feel valued. Only joining Real Betis midway through last season, the 23-year-old has come to the attention of a number of clubs, including Spurs, following his impressive performances in La Liga.
It does appear that Cardoso will be moving on from the Estadio Benito Villamarin at some point in the not too distant future, with a summer switch to north London a real possibility. Tottenham are believed to have a two-week window in the summer where they can secure the signing of Cardoso for £21million.
The agreement between the clubs all came about after Giovani Lo Celso returned to Real Betis on a permanent deal from Spurs late in the summer transfer window. As the end of the season is now fast approaching, Cardoso was asked about the option and what it feels like to have interest from Ange Postecoglou's side.
“I can’t lie, and it’s true that it’s something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I’m doing a good job," said the United States international in an interview with Spanish publication Diario de Sevilla. “But I always try to improve and do my best for the benefit of the group and grow as a person on and off the field. However, right now my focus is only on Betis. This season we have important things to think about.”
One of the "important things" Manuel Pellegrini's side have to think about is Champions League qualification. Betis are eight points adrift of Athletic Club in the final Champions League spot in the La Liga table but they do have form on their side after winning their last five league fixtures.
That may be a sizeable gap at present but it is something that can be whittled down with ten games of the term remaining. Certainly a contender for a place in Europe's premier competition, Cardoso has admitted that Betis are "growing more ambitious" and he would like to play for his current team in the Champions League.
"Yes. In the end, we're just taking it one game at a time," said Cardoso on Champions League talk creeping into the Betis dressing room. "We've won five games, and that gives us a lot of confidence and makes us excited about the Champions League.
"With each passing game, we're growing more ambitious, but I've said from the start that we always play to fight for the maximum because we have the qualities to do so. We believe in the group and in our work, and if we continue like this, why not dream?"
On playing for Betis in the Champions League, he added: "Of course. It's a team that's been my home since I arrived, and I feel very good here."
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