Giovani Lo Celso rejoins Betis, Tottenham secure Johnny Cardoso’s priority

Real Betis announced the arrival of midfielder Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, just minutes before the end of LaLiga’s summer transfer window.

The transfer fee for the 28-year-old Lo Celso is reportedly €5 million, with Tottenham having a preferred option for US national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

Lo Celso signs a contract for the next three seasons with an option for a fourth year.

The Argentina international returns to LaLiga after a two-year loan spell at Villarreal. Lo Celso’s return to Betis marks a full circle moment after leaving the Sevilla outfit for Spurs in 2019.

Betis president Angel Haro told reporters he was happy with the deal, given the challenges posed by this week’s departure of striker Nabil Fekir to UAE Pro League club Al-Jazira.

In his most recent Premier League campaign with Tottenham, Lo Celso contributed two goals and two assists in 24 games.

He is also a key member of the Argentina national team, having made 57 appearances and playing a crucial role in their back-to-back Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024.