Azeem Siddiqui

Fri 27 May 2022 20:10, UK

Everton and Sporting Lisbon have ended the discussion regarding the future of goalkeeper Joao Virginia, according to Portuguese media outlet Record.

The 22-year-old spent the entire 2021/22 season on loan at Sporting Lisbon but failed to cement his spot in the starting XI.

There were reports that both clubs were involved in negotiations regarding the future of Virginia with the Portuguese club looking to extend to goalkeeper’s stay whereas the Toffees were not happy regarding the lack of game time for their player.

However, as per the latest report, the Lions are now looking at alternatives rather than triggering the buying option for the young goalkeeper.

Problem.

The development will not be a pleasing one for Everton as they were hoping to give young Virginia much-needed game time to develop in his native land.

However, with so little game time for the 22-year-old, Everton’s top-tier management was surely not amused and blocked the possibility of extending the players’ loan deal.

Since Jordan Pickford had an outstanding season for the Toffees in the 2021-22 campaign, it will be very hard for any goalkeeper, let alone a youngster, to hope for some considerable game time at the Goodison Park.

Therefore, in all likelihood, Virginia will leave the Liverpool-based outfit for another loan spell in the 2022-23 season.

The Faro-born stopper joined Everton U23 from the Arsenal U18 side in the summer transfer window in 2018.

The Portugal U21 goalkeeper, who made eight appearances for Sporting Lisbon in the recently concluded campaign, has played just three games for Everton’s senior team where he has managed to keep two clean sheets.

In other Everton news, John Barnes has predicted two major Everton transfer exits this summer in a major “overhaul”.

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