AsAston Villa have set their sights on Real Betis duo Johnny Cardoso and Diego Llorente as they look to bolster their squad in upcoming transfer windows.
Villa’s recent rise in the Premier League under Unai Emery has seen them transform into a formidable side, finishing fourth last season and currently sitting sixth. This resurgence has made them an attractive prospect for new talent, and Emery appears keen to continue enhancing the team’s depth and quality.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Villa are closely monitoring the Betis pair. This isn’t their first time delving into the Real Betis talent pool; they successfully secured left-back Alex Moreno in January 2023, a move that proved effective before Moreno’s eventual transfer to Nottingham Forest. Now, Cardoso and Llorente have become potential targets, signaling Villa’s ambition to solidify their status among the Premier League’s elite.
However, the pursuit of Johnny Cardoso comes with a twist that involves Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs currently hold a buy option for Cardoso that becomes active during a two-week window in June 2025, set at £21 million (€25 million/$27 million). This clause, according to Betis, is highly likely to be triggered. But if Villa chooses to make a move as early as January, it could disrupt Tottenham’s carefully laid plans and force them into action sooner than expected.
The catch for Spurs is that if Villa acts before the summer window, Tottenham might not be able to prevent the move. However, should the transfer occur ahead of their clause, they would still benefit from a sell-on fee. This scenario sets up a potential midseason scramble, with Tottenham potentially pushed to reassess their transfer strategy if they wish to secure Cardoso themselves.
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Diego Llorente, the other Betis player on Villa’s radar, is no stranger to Premier League audiences. The Spanish defender previously had a stint with Leeds United during their tumultuous 2021/22 season, which ended in relegation. Despite that, his performances for Betis have restored his reputation, making him an intriguing prospect for a Villa side eager to reinforce their defensive options.
Meanwhile, Villa’s forward Jhon Duran has caught the attention of Europe’s heavyweights, including Paris Saint-Germain. The Colombian striker, known for his impact off the bench, has been turning heads with his impressive scoring form. Notably, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has reportedly endorsed Duran as a strong fit for the Gunners, describing him as “the right player” for their squad.
Villa’s young star Jacob Ramsey remains a target for Tottenham, who continue to keep tabs on the talented midfielder. On the other hand, Emery’s team is also eyeing potential attacking reinforcements, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo emerging as a notable name after his excellent start to the current campaign.
So, who exactly is Johnny Cardoso? Born in New Jersey, Cardoso’s footballing identity is strongly tied to Brazil. Although he has represented the U.S. at both under-23 and senior levels, his upbringing and development were rooted in Brazil after his family returned there when he was a baby. The talented midfielder came up through the ranks at Internacional, making his senior debut just before turning 18. Cardoso’s dual-nationality background and rapid development have made him an intriguing asset, drawing interest from top clubs eager to secure his unique mix of skill and versatility.
As Aston Villa continue their climb in the Premier League, moves like these underscore Emery’s vision and the club’s ambition to not only maintain but elevate their position among England’s best. The January window could prove pivotal as they look to bring in quality reinforcements and potentially disrupt Tottenham’s plans in the process.
