Asmir Begovic sends message to Joao Virginia after Everton loan exit
Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia has joined Sporting CP on loan for the rest of the season, and a permanent deal is an option.
According to Record, the Portuguese giants can sign the 21-year-old next summer for £3million, and that appears very likely.
Having failed to be given a chance by Toffees boss Rafa Benitez, Virginia will now look to impress and prove himself back home.
The goalie took to his personal Instagram account to post his delight after completing the move, and Asmir Begovic has responded.
Class
Breaking into the first-team could be hard for a young goalkeeper, and Begovic knows all about it.
The arrival of the veteran goalie from Bournemouth played a huge role in Virginia’s exit, but that has not stopped him from wishing his younger colleague well.
Begovic was in action for Everton against Huddersfield Town last night in the second round of the League Cup, and it is clear that Benitez wanted an experienced figure as his cover in the department.
Another veteran in Andy Lonergan was also recently signed, and it is safe to say that Virginia is not likely to return to Goodison Park next season.
The Portuguese was an instrumental figure for the under-23s as they won the Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup double under manager David Unsworth after his arrival from Arsenal in the summer of 2018, and he will be fondly remembered for that despite making just three senior team appearances afterwards.
He spent 2019-20 on loan in the Championship with Reading, but moving to the Portuguese top-flight is an upgrade and he will be keen to grab the chance with both hands.
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