Joao Virginia will leave Everton on loan during the summer transfer window amid top-flight and Championship interest in the Portuguese goalkeeper, according to O Jogo.
The 21-year-old should depart Goodison Park before the close of the market on August 31. Everton hope a year away from Merseyside will return more regular senior game time after Virginia broke through under Carlo Ancelotti last season.
The arrival of Asmir Begovic to backup Jordan Pickford has limited Virginia’s chances under Rafa Benitez next term. Everton now prefer the former Arsenal prospect secures a loan to a club where he will be the starting option.
Virginia’s long-term future remains at Everton and has received approaches from top-flight and second-tier sides keen on his services. The U21 international has previously played in the Championship with Reading, but only made three outings during the 2019/20 season.
His time at the Madejski Stadium was also cut short, given his difficulties to lock down the number one role. Virginia will now have to step back down to the Championship if Everton elect to keep him in England. But can contest for top-flight minutes with a European track.
Everton believe strongly in Virginia’s potential and will discuss his future role on his return from any loan transfer. The Liverpool Echo also report the Toffees are ready to send the £10,000-per-week shot-stopper out on a short-term loan deal.
Benitez is seemingly prepared to contest the new campaign with Pickford, Begovic and 19-year-old Harry Tyrer as his options. Tyrer is yet to make his senior debut, but featured in seven matchday squads under Ancelotti last season.
Virginia to build on Everton breakthrough
Everton and Virginia will be desperate for the goalkeeper to enjoy a successful loan period next season. He started the opening two games of the 2019/20 Championship campaign at Reading but did not appear in a league fixture again. Also only making the bench six times.
Virginia showed his potential when needed for Ancelotti last term, however. The ex-Benfica trainee made his Premier League debut against Burnley in March after Pickford damaged his oblique abdominal muscle.
Virginia then retained the gloves for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City a week later. And while Everton lost, he kept the Toffees in the game until the 84th-minute with a string of sublime saves. His effort to deny Raheem Sterling the pick of the bunch.
“Joao did really well. He showed his quality,” Ancelotti said, via the Liverpool Echo, after the Manchester City loss. “He has not the experience but the quality and personality he has shown in training. And so I think he deserves the compliments, because he did really well.”
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