Romano drops 'CONCRETE' update on Man Utd midfield target

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Apr 2025 23:48 CDT
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Johnny Cardoso amid reports that he could be on his way to Manchester United in a swap deal with Antony.

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The United States Men's National Team midfielder is enjoying a brilliant season with Real Betis, who are still competing for a spot in next season's Champions League.

Compared

Johnny

DM, M (C)

Real Betis

Johnny

DM, M (C)

Real Betis

VS

Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis

Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis

€23.9M	ETV	€22.7M
€21.5M - €26.3M	ETV Range	€20.4M - €24.9M
23 years old (20 Sep, 2001)	Age	25 years old (24 Feb, 2000)
United States	Nationality	Brazil

The Seville outfit have been one of the most impressive teams so far in 2025, with their resurgence fuelled by some inspired January business, which saw them land MLS superstar Cucho Hernandez on a permanent deal and Antony on loan from Man Utd.

The latter has frequently made headlines since his move to Spain as he has managed to revive his career in LaLiga. Antony is not expected to be given a second chance at Man Utd, so his future has been hotly debated in recent months.

The Red Devils are looking to cash in on him, while Betis would love to extend his stay in Andalusia. However, a permanent deal would only be possible should they manage to sneak into the Champions League.

Cardoso interest not 'concrete'

Given Betis' desperation to keep Antony, it was posited over the weekend that a creative formula could be created to strike a deal. Due to Man Utd reportedly having scouted Cardoso in recent weeks, it was claimed that the Premier League side could look to sign him in a swap deal.

This suggestion has now been put to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, and he reports that so far, there is 'nothing really concrete' on the matter as Betis are still fully focused on successfully juggling LaLiga and the latter Conference League knockout stages.

"Nothing really concrete at the moment with Cardoso," Romano told GIVEMESPORT. "Decisions will be made later as full focus for Betis now is on the Conference League."

Betis host Serie A side Fiorentina in the first leg of the Conference League semi-finals on Thursday. Meanwhile, they currently sit sixth in the LaLiga standings, a point off Villarreal in fifth and five behind Athletic Club in fourth.

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