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Everton deadline day signing could spell trouble for £3 million Everton man

By Parth Jhaveri

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Joao Virginia of Everton looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Everton v Manchester City at Goodison Park on March 20, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Joao Virginia of Everton looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Everton v Manchester City at Goodison Park on March 20, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Last season, Joao Virginia made his Everton first team debut against Burnley, coming on for injured Jordan Pickford. Seven days later, he got his first start in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester City. The arrival of Billy Crellin could make life difficult for Virginia.

After impressive outings, it was expected that Virginia would be sent on loan given that Robin Olsen had returned to his parent club and the Toffees signed Asmir Begovic on a free transfer to act as a backup to Pickford. Sporting signed Virginia on loan and included an option to buy for £3 million next summer.

At Everton, the Toffees signed Andy Lonergan on a free transfer to take the place of Virginia as the third goalkeeper of the squad. Things aren’t particularly going Virginia’s way at Sporting. Just like Niels Nkounkou, Everton loaned Virginia so that the youngster can get regular minutes under his belt and continue his development process.

The goalkeeper is regarded as a bright prospect who with right counsel can become a solid keeper. The Portuguese has seen his career hit the shores of stagnancy as the player has just played seven games this season. In the seven games, Virginia has kept three clean sheets and conceded seven goals.

Arrival of Billy Crellin at Everton spells trouble for Joao Virginia

Everton made five signings in the winter transfer window. Everton U-23 side also made a deadline day addition to their squad. While the fans exulted over the arrival of Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli, there was another youngster brought to the club.

Billy Crellin arrived from League One side Fleetwood Town, strengthening the youth setup. The Toffees tried to sign Crellin a couple of years ago but they failed in their pursuit. Finally, they have acquired Crellin who will strengthen the goalkeeper department in the U-23 side and further add competition.

With the arrival of Crellin, Virginia’s future looks in serious doubt. Given the sporadic appearances at Sporting, the Portuguese may opt not to sign him permanently. If he does come back to Everton, the 22 year old doesn’t find a place in the first team as Pickford, Begovic and Lonergan occupy the three shot stopper spots.

Harry Tyrer has convincingly kept Zan Luk Leban out of the side in the U-23 side. With Crellin featuring, Virginia may find himself unsettled. He could return back to Merseyside only to leave on loan. As for Crellin, he is at a crucial juncture in the learning curve and has a lot to imbibe from his new coaches and senior players.

Next. How can Everton get the best out of Dele Alli?. dark

Will Billy Crellin or Joao Virginia make it to the first team in the future?

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