Everton ace names two clubs he would consider joining

Joao Virginia's contract at Everton is set to run out come the end of the season, making him a free agent.

Since moving to Goodison Park back in 2020, the Portuguese keeper has been a second choice for the Toffees.

He came up the ranks at Benfica and even spent some time with the Arsenal academy before joining Sporting and then Everton.

Benfica and Sporting namedropped as Virginia waits on contract extension

With the 25-year-old's deal set to run out next month, the Toffees are understood to have an option to extend it.

However, he remains in the dark about his future and admits he's waiting on the Merseyside outfit to make a decision.

He said that while it is difficult to leave, Benfica and Sporting have both kept tabs on him since he left them, so he's unwilling to rule out a return.

The Portuguese keeper admits that he would like to play more, but that has not happened under David Moyes.

“I’m doing well at Everton; it’s a special club for me. I don’t know what will happen. [Uncertainty] is never easy,” he said.

“We were better than the last two years. The arrival of Mister Moyes was positive. But I wish I had played a lot more. I feel a huge desire to play and that hasn’t happened.”

Speaking about his options, he added: “It’s difficult to predict as I have options outside of Portugal.

“Since I left there, I know that both Benfica and Sporting have followed my path. Maybe I can come back one day.”

Everton need to move on from Viriginia and sign a new keeper

Everton should consider not extending Virginia’s contract, which expires next month and instead target a young goalkeeper to develop as Jordan Pickford’s long-term successor.

The 25-year-old has been a reliable second-choice keeper since joining in 2020 but has struggled for game time, expressing frustration at his lack of opportunities under Moyes.

With Pickford, 31, firmly established as Everton’s first-choice and England’s goalkeeper, Virginia’s path to regular football remains blocked and his desire to play regularly suggests he may seek opportunities elsewhere, potentially at Benfica or Sporting.

Everton’s goalkeeping department needs fresh talent to plan for the future, as Pickford’s prime years may wane in the coming seasons.

Signing a promising young keeper, ideally in their late teens or early twenties, would allow Everton to nurture a prospect who can either challenge Pickford now, pushing him to maintain his high standards, or seamlessly transition into the starting role in a few years.

A young goalkeeper would also align with Everton’s need for cost-effective, high-potential signings, given their financial constraints.

This strategy prioritises long-term stability over retaining a backup who may not stay content on the bench, ensuring Everton’s goalkeeping future is secure.