Senior Everton role mooted for ‘eager’ Joao Virginia after latest Goodison Park contract news
Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia could be used as an understudy to Jordan Pickford next season, according to the Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas.
The verdict comes after the 23-year-old signed a new two-year deal with the Toffees on Sunday (9 July), as confirmed by the official Everton website.
The contract extension sees the goalkeeper, who has three senior Toffees appearances to his name, stay with the club until the end of June 2025.
“The 23-year-old has been rewarded with an extended deal as Everton explore goalkeeping options,” according to the Liverpool Echo. “He has spent recent seasons out on loan but Sean Dyche is contemplating using him as an understudy to Jordan Pickford for the upcoming campaign.
“It is set to be a big season for the former Portugal youth international, who is eager to impress Dyche over the coming weeks.
“Virginia has internal competition and Dyche may yet explore the transfer market, but his budget is thought to be limited and his recruitment ‘to do’ list is extensive.”
Fantastic opportunity
Portugal youth international Virginia has only had three chances at impressing in the first team so far in his Everton career following his move from Premier League rivals Arsenal in August 2018.
Those came in the league, FA Cup and League Cup, with the goalkeeper sent out on loan to Reading, Sporting CP and Cambuur in recent times to further his development.
But given Everton’s current goalkeeping situation, where just Jordan Pickford and Andy Lonergan remain, Virginia now has a real shot at first team chances next season.
His chances have increased since the recent departure of veteran shot-stopper Asmir Begovic, who left the Toffees earlier this summer upon the expiry of his contract.
Add to that the club’s ongoing financial woes and Dyche may have no choice but to stick with Virginia as immediate back-up to number one Pickford, with Lonergan more of a background figure at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, the players have undergone dental and vision check-ups as Finch Farm insight emerges.