Joao Virginia set to leave Everton on loan and join Sporting on Thursday
Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia is set to leave for Portugal and join Sporting Lisbon on a season-long loan on Thursday, according to Record.
The 21-year-old Portuguese shot-stopper is currently in isolation after testing positive for coronavirus, and that has delayed a move as he needs to return a negative test before travelling.
Virginia is not in the plans of Toffees manager Rafa Benitez, and Sporting will have the option to make his loan deal permanent at the end of the campaign.
Exit on the cards
Benitez revealed ahead of the weekend Premier League opener against Southampton that five players are in isolation, and it appears the youngster was part of them.
With Asmir Begovic providing Jordan Pickford with quality cover and competition, Virginia has very limited chances of playing this term after making three appearances last season.
Another temporary exit is good for his development, but we do not see him returning to Goodison Park.
While he will be replacing Luis Maximiano back home and playing as cover to Sporting first-choice goalkeeper Antonio Adan, the club are most likely to hold on to him on a permanent basis.
The 34-year-old Spaniard is in the final years of his career and needs a quality long-term replacement.
While he struggled to play at Everton, we believe Virginia is going to get his chances in Portugal in the Cup competitions.
The former Arsenal youth goalie will be frustrated with his lack of opportunities on Merseyside, but a move back home should help get his career back on track.
Benitez has opted for experience in a bid to strengthen the department, and we understand that.
Hopefully, Virginia does too.
In other Everton news, Toffees push to sign defender after missing out on prime target.
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