Daniel Feliciano

Fri 25 March 2022 18:10, UK

Joao Virginia is expected to return to Everton in the summer after Sporting CP made it clear the pre-agreed price to turn his loan permanent is too high, according to O Jogo.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper returned to his homeland on a season-long loan deal in the summer, and has served as the back-up goalkeeper for the Portuguese champions.

The loan deal included a €3.5m (£2.9m) option to make the move permanent, but a report on Friday [March 25] claims that Sporting have decided the amount is too much and they won’t be taking it up.

That would mean that Virginia will return to Goodison Park in the summer to be part of Frank Lampard’s squad heading into the new season, whether they are in the Championship or Premier League.

Sporting would be interested in bringing Virginia into the club permanently if a fee lower than the already agreed £2.9m could be found with Everton, but if not they’ll look to bring in someone else during the window.

Chance

Sometimes opportunity falls into your lap and it’s possible that Virginia could find himself with a huge chance of making an impact at Everton.

If the team find themselves in the second tier next season, it’s almost a guarantee that Jordan Pickford will be leaving for a Premier League club. With Asmir Begovic past his prime, that gives Virginia a chance to make the shirt his own.

He’s been part of a side this season chasing domestic glory in Portugal while also competing in the Champions League and while he’s only made a handful of appearances that experience is vital for his development.

If a fee can be agreed then he’d likely be quite happy to stay where he is and challenge, but the Toffees don’t need to sell cheap to get him off the books because he could become an asset for them.

A deal that benefits all parties should be found because there’s business to be done there, but it would need the Blues to compromise.

In other Everton news, View: Time for Everton to unleash ace Lampard once claimed was ‘special’