Tottenham could potentially reap the rewards in the years ahead of a transfer agreement struck last summer. In a move that saw Giovani Lo Celso join Real Betis for £8.4million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, also agreed on further terms for one of Betis' brightest talents.

Since return to Andalusia, plenty of Tottenham fans will have been keeping close tabs on United States international Johnny Cardoso. A player who has earned rave reviews since making the move to La Liga from Brazilian side Internacional in December 2023, the 23-year-old may possibly soon be playing his football for Ange Postecoglou's Spurs.

As part of the deal involving Lo Celso, the north London club have the option to sign Cardoso in a reported two-week window for €25million (£21million). If they choose not to take up that option then .

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A deal that raised eyebrows at the time given the unusual nature of it and Lo Celso's low price tag, Spurs may be the ones who have the last laugh if they do indeed lure him to N17. Whether he is to become a Tottenham player or not, Cardoso looks on course to feature heavily in the headlines this summer one way or another.

and Tottenham have plenty of work to do in the transfer market given their current Premier League struggles and . Yves Bissouma is clearly not the solution in the role and performances continue to fluctuate when deployed there.

With Bentancur, it may be a case of signing a new No.6 to allow him to play further forward and have an impact in the final third as was the case when he had Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg behind him. has demonstrated that he can take on the role but Postecoglou may believe he is more effective as a No.8, .

The agreement struck between Tottenham and Real Betis back in August may be a complete no-brainer for the Lilywhites to activate come the summer as they plot for the 2025/26 campaign. After all, Cardoso is a key cog in Manuel Pellegrini's side and has become a highly-regarded player in La Liga in the process after delivering some top performances against Spain's best sides.

One of those came in late October as . Making four passes into the final third and creating two chances, the Denville-born player was also successful with three of his five dribbles and three of his seven long balls.

In regards to his defensive play, he won three of his five tackles, made five clearances, four interceptions and eight recoveries. He also won nine of his 14 duels as Diego Simeone's men tasted defeat at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Atletico's fierce city rivals Real Madrid also fell victim to Cardoso and Betis at the beginning of March following a 2-1 defeat in Seville. The United States international did in fact get his name on the scoresheet with a powerful header from Isco's cross that Thibaut Courtois could not keep out.

Completing 33 of his 38 passes on that day, Cardoso also made four passes into the final third, he was accurate with his one long ball, he registered two shots on target from a possible three and Real only dispossessed him the once. The youngster would also make 15 defensive actions, five interceptions, five recoveries and three clearances.

Betis are in a strong position in the league standings to qualify for Europe once again and Cardoso, who has two goals and one assist in 33 games this term, could potentially sign off from the Spanish side with a Europa Conference League winner's medal as they are one of the favourites to reach the final. Pellegrini's team would undoubtedly like to keep Cardoso at the club for the long-term future, hence his new contract that ties him to the club until 2030, but Tottenham could have a major say in his next destination if they are to activate their transfer clause.

Going on his performances in La Liga and his current progression in the game, £21million could turn out to be quite the snip for Tottenham if Cardoso continues to go from strength to strength at the base of midfield. He may well be the first part of the puzzle when it comes to Tottenham's transfer plans for the 2025/26 campaign.

Postecoglou falls into a trap, Pochettino's vow and the Bissouma problem - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

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