Everton make alternative plans as Joao Virginia looks set for Goodison Park exit
Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia could be set for a Goodison Park exit this summer, according to a report from The Athletic on 16 June.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper spent the last season (2021-22) on loan at Sporting CP. The Portuguese club have an option to sign him permanently for £3million.
It is not clear whether they will exercise that option. In any case, his time at Goodison Park appears to be over, with the club making “alternative plans”.
The Athletic report says: “So far, there has been no firm indication as to whether [Sporting will trigger their option to buy Virginia], but either way his time at Goodison appears to be over, with Everton making alternative plans.
No future
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (4 June, page 6) reported that Sporting have already decided not to take the option to sign the goalkeeper in the summer.
Like Everton, they are also looking at other alternative options.
Virginia has two years left on his current deal but it is highly unlikely that he will be given a chance to shine at Goodison Park next season.
Jordan Pickford remains the first-choice goalkeeper at the club, while Asmir Begovic is a reliable understudy.
Andy Lonergan, the 30-year-old veteran, is still viewed as an experienced cover for both goalkeepers.
Virginia would struggle to get into this side at the moment, and he should look for options elsewhere.
Everton should not expect to recoup any decent fee from him, rather they could be forced to just get him off the wage bill.
At this stage of his career, regular games are necessary for his development, and there’s no point for him to hang on and warm the bench.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports journalist has said the Blues should complete their first signing by the end of this week.
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