Spurs pushing to sign dream Bentancur replacement in “extraordinary” £25M “ball-winner
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 campaign has been far from what fans and players anticipated. Under Ange Postecoglou’s management, hopes were high for Champions League qualification, but as the season progresses, the club finds itself languishing in 11th place. While injuries and suspensions have played a significant role, Tottenham’s performances have often fallen below expectations.
Tottenham’s inconsistency is evident in their recent results, which include surprising losses and narrow victories. The table below highlights their recent form across competitions:
| Competition | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Nottingham Forest (A) | 1-0 (L) |
| Premier League | Liverpool (H) | 6-3 (L) |
| League Cup | Manchester United (H) | 4-3 (W) |
| Premier League | Southampton (A) | 5-0 (W) |
| Europa League | Rangers (A) | 1-1 (D) |
Despite moments of brilliance, such as the emphatic win over Southampton, Tottenham’s struggles against top-tier opposition highlight the need for reinforcements.
The underwhelming performances of first-team stars like Son Heung-min, Pedro Porro, and Rodrigo Bentancur have compounded Spurs’ struggles. Reports suggest that Tottenham may already be preparing to replace Bentancur, as interest in Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso grows.
Tottenham’s Interest in Johnny Cardoso
According to Spanish sources via Sport Witness, Tottenham is keen to sign Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis. The 23-year-old American international has caught the attention of European giants such as AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. However, Tottenham holds a crucial advantage: a €30 million (£25 million) option negotiated during Giovani Lo Celso’s transfer to Betis.
While a bidding war with top clubs could complicate the deal, Spurs remain the frontrunners. If completed, the transfer would not only bolster Tottenham’s midfield but also potentially spell trouble for Bentancur’s future in the squad.
Comparing Bentancur and Cardoso
If Tottenham activates their option to sign Cardoso, competition for midfield spots will intensify. Below is a detailed comparison of the two players’ performances in the 2024/25 season:
| Statistic | Cardoso | Bentancur |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.23 | 0.10 |
| Progressive Passes | 3.69 | 6.57 |
| Progressive Passes Received | 1.97 | 1.41 |
| Shots | 1.12 | 1.09 |
| Shots on Target | 0.24 | 0.17 |
| Passing Accuracy | 86.1% | 90.6% |
| Key Passes | 0.57 | 0.30 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 1.97 | 2.33 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.25 | 0.10 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 1.39 | 0.91 |
| Tackles Won | 1.68 | 1.60 |
| Blocks | 1.31 | 1.21 |
| Interceptions | 2.32 | 1.93 |
| Clearances | 2.87 | 1.31 |
Source: FBref (2024/25 Season)
Cardoso’s Defensive Edge
Cardoso’s defensive metrics stand out, particularly in tackles won, blocks, interceptions, and clearances per 90 minutes. This ability to break up play and shield the backline could make him a valuable addition to Tottenham’s squad. Furthermore, at just 23 years old, he offers greater potential for long-term development compared to Bentancur.
Betis director Manu Fajardo described Cardoso as “extraordinary,” and his performances in La Liga justify the praise. His energy, versatility, and ball-winning capabilities align with Postecoglou’s high-tempo, aggressive playing style. Adding Cardoso to the squad would not only address current midfield deficiencies but also support Tottenham’s long-term ambitions.
Johnny Cardoso may not yet be a household name in English football, but his potential to excel under Postecoglou is undeniable. With competition from European powerhouses, Spurs must act decisively to secure his signature.
The January transfer window presents a pivotal moment for Tottenham to reinforce their squad and turn their season around. By addressing key areas of weakness, including midfield depth, the club can build a foundation for future success. Signing Cardoso could be the first step in achieving that goal.