In a recent interview with Portuguese news outlet Bola Branca, Everton keeper Joao Virginia offered an update on his future at the Merseyside club. Virginia said,
“This year they decided they wanted me to stay at the club.
“Staying, I already knew that, having England’s number 1 goalkeeper in the squad, I would be playing in the cups and waiting for something to happen, but the season is going well, in a way it is going as planned.
“I’ve already played in four different leagues, so I’m improving and, from now on, my goal is to play more and more and become a starting goalkeeper at a big club. For now, it’s just a matter of waiting and seeing what happens until the end of the season.”
Virginia’s Impressive Form In The FA Cup This Season
Virginia has caught the eye with his performances in the FA Cup for Everton during this campaign. The Portuguese talent has conceded two goals and kept two clean sheets in three matches for the Toffees this season across various competitions.
His current contract at Goodison Park will expire in the summer of 2025. Hence, the Merseyside club would have to consider cashing in on him this summer or else risk losing him as a free agent next year.
Should Everton Head Coach Sean Dyche Keep Hold Of Virginia?
Virginia can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks when he is playing regularly and with confidence on the field. He is a solid handler of the ball as well and can use his towering 1.92m frame to dominate the opposition inside his penalty box.
However, the Portuguese custodian needs to ensure regular playing time if he wants to develop as a goalkeeper. Therefore, Everton head coach Sean Dyche should consider keeping hold of him for the long run by offering him a new deal so that he can replace Jordan Pickford in goal at Goodison Park in the coming seasons.
At 24, Virginia will only get better as he matures with each year. However, if the Merseyside club are not willing to play him regularly, Dyche would be better off cashing in on him and bringing in a suitable replacement at the end of this season.
