Joao Virginia must leave Goodison Park, Everton should seal exit deal
Everton should find a way to offload Joao Virginia in the summer.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper joined Portuguese outfit Sporting on loan in the summer transfer window, and he is facing an uncertain future.
The Toffees included the option for Sporting to sign him permanently at the end of the season, but according to Record (03 May, page 15), the Portuguese club are only willing to extend another loan deal.
The player has struggled for regular games this season, having managed only seven appearances.
Virginia made his debut for the Toffees in September 2020 against Salford, where he kept a clean sheet.
The summer transfer window is expected to be massive for the club, irrespective of where they finish at the end of the season.
If they avoid the drop, the Toffees should look to make a wholesome change to the squad as Frank Lampard, by now, has made up his made whom to keep and whom to sell.
Also, if they drop down to the Championship, it could mean that they will have to sell some of their key players. It could also involve a work of massive rebuilding.
In either of the two scenarios, Virginia doesn’t fit in. The fact that the Toffees added a clause for Sporting to buy him permanently shows that he is seen as a surplus to requirements.
Virginia will not be able to replace Jordan Pickford from the starting line-up, whereas there is already a reliable back-up goalkeeper in place.
The player finds himself in limbo. Another loan move to Sporting won’t bring a big change in fortune especially if he continues to warm the bench.
The Toffees must sell him on the cheap, and it’s good for all the parties involved.
In other Everton news, Richard Keys has slammed Lampard and Everton players after footage from outside Goodison emerged on Sunday.
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