Barcelona-linked La Liga pivot midfielder not considering summer departure

Johnny Cardoso has become one of the rising stars at Real Betis the moment he joined the club in the January transfer window.

Arriving from Internacional for a fee of just €6 million, the American midfielder has become an instant success, having racked up 13 appearances in La Liga.

A holding midfielder by trade, Cardoso has impressed onlookers with his athleticism and work ethic in the middle of the park. As a result, he has already caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe.

Barcelona interested in Cardoso

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are among the clubs interested in the services of Johnny Cardoso.

It has been well established in the past that Barcelona are keen on signing a new defensive midfielder this summer. Keeping that in mind, the club are closely monitoring Cardoso.

Real Betis’ biggest success story this year (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona are not alone in the chase either, with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig also interested in his services.

Cardoso keen on continuing at Real Betis

However, in a recent interview, Cardoso has expressed his desire to continue at Real Betis and has confirmed he is not thinking about a move elsewhere.

“My head and my goals are in Betis. I arrived a short time ago. I want to continue working and evolving. My head is in Betis and the other things are for my agents,” said Johnny.

This could serve as a massive blow for Barcelona, although it is unlikely the Catalans were eyeing a move for the American in the coming summer.

The Blaugrana are more interested in another Real Betis holding midfielder in the form of Guido Rodriguez, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Camp Nou.