Everton: Deal in limbo after negotiations hit dead end for €5 million man
The negotiation between Everton and Sporting CP over goalkeeper Joao Virginia ended in a stalemate after a week of negotiation.
According to a Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), the 22-year old keeper had aspirations of staying in Lisbon and the Portuguese club has been negotiating a way to permanently transfer him. Sporting still has the option to buy Virginia for the original price of €5 million but they have been negotiating a deal that better suits their club’s wallet.
Virginia is still very young and unlikely to receive minutes in the Premier League anytime soon but the Toffees see his potential and future value to be worth keeping him at Goodison Park. Both Jordan Pickford and Asmir Begovic will be picked for the squad before Virginia so it is unclear what are Everton’s plans for him next season. A return to Lisbon seems very unlikely at this point.
Virginia only played in eight games for Sporting but he kept four clean sheets during that span. He was born in southern Portugal so it’s likely he wishes to stay in the Portuguese league long term. Will any club be willing to buy Virginia for Everton’s asking price?
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Can Everton find another buyer or another loan for Joao Virginia?
Everton’s hardball negotiation strategy could cost them the development of their young star. If the 22-year old keeper is to stay at Everton, his development would stagnate due to a lack of playing time.
Pickford is the clear starter and Virginia would sink to the third choice behind Begovic who recently extended his stay at Goodison Park for one more season. Everton must make a move to sell or loan their goalkeeper prospect this summer or his growth stagnation could affect his market value.
Virginia’s future is very up in the air right now. Everton views him as a highly valuable prospect so another gig at a Portuguese club makes the most sense for both sides. Sporting reportedly attempted to renew their loan with Virginia but Everton were unwilling to make a deal happen. Perhaps another club in Liga Portugal will pull the trigger for a loan or permanent transfer.
With uncertainty over Virginia’s future, Everton’s deal for Blackburn goalkeeper Chris Maxwell also stalled. Virginia would want to play regularly and as things stand, playing time is available away from Goodison Park.
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Where do you think Joao Virginia will play next season?