Paul Robinson, the former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, has expressed his admiration for the club’s innovative approach to transfers, particularly in the deal they struck with Real Betis during the summer. Robinson praised the move as a brilliant example of strategic thinking from Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, calling it an “incredible” deal that could prove to be highly beneficial for the club.
The agreement saw Tottenham secure an option to purchase Johnny Cardoso, the 23-year-old USA international midfielder, for £25 million in the summer of 2025. This deal was tied to Giovani Lo Celso’s return to Betis, but the key aspect is Tottenham’s right of first refusal on Cardoso, with a sell-on clause included should they opt not to trigger the purchase option. This structure gives Spurs the flexibility to decide whether they want to make a long-term commitment to Cardoso or benefit financially if another club buys him in the future.
Robinson believes that Tottenham has positioned itself well with this deal. According to him, whether Cardoso eventually joins Spurs or is sold elsewhere, the club is in a “win-win” situation. He highlighted that Cardoso’s value has significantly increased after some impressive performances for Betis, which only strengthens Tottenham’s position. The midfielder’s stock has risen, and as Robinson pointed out, Spurs have the chance to buy him at a price that may soon look like a bargain given his upward trajectory. If Spurs choose not to exercise the option, they will still profit through the sell-on clause, potentially earning a percentage of any future transfer fee.
Robinson also commended Cardoso’s form in Spain, noting that he has shown his quality on the pitch and is a promising young player. Despite his success in La Liga, Robinson acknowledged that the Premier League’s faster pace would pose a new challenge for Cardoso, but he still views him as a viable option for the club. The midfielder, who has earned 17 caps for the United States national team, has plenty of potential to develop further, making him an attractive prospect for Tottenham.
However, Robinson also raised an important point regarding Tottenham’s current midfield depth. While he sees Cardoso as a talented player, he questioned where the American would fit into Ange Postecoglou’s squad. Tottenham already boasts a number of quality midfielders, and Robinson suggested that adding another player to the mix may not be a pressing need at the moment. He emphasized that Cardoso would be a solid addition to the squad, but his role in the starting lineup might be less certain given the existing competition in midfield.
Robinson’s overall assessment is that Tottenham’s approach to securing Cardoso was astute, regardless of whether the player eventually joins the club. He believes this type of transfer arrangement, which offers a degree of flexibility and potential financial return, is something rarely seen in modern football. The deal demonstrates Levy’s keen eye for business and his ability to navigate complex transfer situations, which could ultimately benefit Spurs in the long term.
In conclusion, Robinson described the Cardoso transfer agreement as a clever and creative move by Daniel Levy, one that could pay dividends for Tottenham in various ways. Even if Cardoso does not make the move to North London, Tottenham will still stand to gain from the deal, whether through a potential buy or by taking a share of any future transfer fee. This strategic thinking, combined with Cardoso’s rising stock, makes it an exciting deal for Tottenham fans to follow in the coming months.
