GdS: ‘Even more American’ – Real Betis man emerges as Milan midfield target

By Euan Burns -

AC Milan have identified American midfielder Johnny Cardoso as a potential target with both Yacine Adli and Ismael Bennacer attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League.

As has been reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Real Betis midfielder could continue the American influence at Milan that has been seen with the arrival of RedBird as owners, Christian Pulisic on the right wing, and Yunus Musah in midfield.

Whilst the likes of Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco and Lazar Samardzic from Udinese are the primary midfield targets this summer, a player like Cardoso would be a credible option if more midfielders than initially expected are sold.

The 22-year-old Cardoso played two of the three group games at the Copa America this summer and his main selling point is that he can play in a number of positions, offering Paulo Fonseca valuable versatility.

He is viewed as a midfield all-rounder who can sit in front of the defence, but also lend a hand in the build-up when Milan need to attack.

He also has an Italian passport which means he would not occupy a non-EU registration slot. That is important given other potential signings like Strahinja Pavlovic and Igor would take up a non-EU slot.

His contract runs until 2029 and when Fiorentina made an attempt for him, they were quoted €25m plus bonuses.

Tags AC Milan Johnny Cardoso

25 Comments

  1. I never watched him so I can’t comment on his quality, but he does seem to be a true defensive midfielder.
    The problem though is that he is valued around 25M€ and we can’t afford that.

  2. zrikzee –> morata
    fofana –> cardoso
    samardzic, füllkrug, emerson Pavlovic still missing

    Redbird out please
    just sell to saudi

    1. I don’t see how Zirkzee is better than Morata sorry.
      Fofana isn’t a true DM, Cardoso seems to be a true DM though I don’t know if he is any good.
      Don’t want Emerson, he is trash, don’t care too much about either Füllkrug or Samardzic.
      Pavlovic is a must and it’s a shame how we’re handling this.

  3. Just get us Guido Rodriguez. Every time we get players late in the market they never perform well! On top of that we have a new coach who has to get his ideas to the players in 2 weeks because of the euros.

    1. This would very quickly turn into a bidding war with clubs that have more cash…25M maybe starts the conversation…but every team has already scouted him and won’t let him move without a phone call. Defenders of his quality are too rare.

          1. I didn’t mean to imply he wasn’t solid, although his speed is a little concerning to me, I agree with your statement. I just wanted to correct the bidding war thing as I think Cardoso would become too expensive

  4. It’s like Milan just want inter and Juve to finish 1st and 2nd, at this rate we will be scrapping it out for the Europa league at this point

    1. Exactly, I really don’t understand why on earth are they not considering Prati for the role.

      He fits perfectly the moneyball bill – young and talented with high high re-sale value. He’s also cheap and will come for a low salary.

      And what many don’t care but I do – he’s Italian.

      1. Prati is actually a good shout, but he’s only 20. can he handle the pressure of holding down Milan’s midfield at his age? This isn’t Cagliari.

        1. That is the problem with Italian football… we need to outgrown this mentality… we sees what 17 to 20 yrs playersmin other top league does on the pitch but think of ours as being too young.
          Yamal
          Foden
          Saka
          Are examples of player who hold their ground in the first team as a tender age.

          Talking bout Milan Pato should be very fresh on our memories…. He made instant impact and shows he is capable of holding a position in the first team before injuries cut his reign and shine short

  5. Pavlovic and one true DM should be signed. All other can be solved with rotations.. Samardzic would be good addition but I don’t see him any better than Benacer. I would still prefer Benacer over him any day.. But if Benacer choose to leave we should sigh someone worthy.. Regardless of not being in form last season, Benacer is only top midfielder we have..

  6. As an American I can tell you he’s a true 6 who can also play the 8. Great with the ball at his feet, but with good defensive instincts. I doubt Betis will let him go though, he’s only been there for half a season.

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