Joao Virginia has signed a new contract with Everton.
The 23-year-old has been rewarded with an extended deal as Everton explore goalkeeping options. He has spent recent seasons out on loan but Sean Dyche is contemplating using him as an understudy to Jordan Pickford for the upcoming campaign.
The departure of Asmir Begovic has left a senior squad position open and Virginia has the most first team experience of his rivals. He returned to Finch Farm for pre-season on Thursday having recovering from a minor injury suffered at the end of last season.
Virginia's hopes for the future have now been boosted after he committed his future to Everton by signing an extension that the club said would take him to 2025. His previous contract was due to expire next summer.
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It is set to be a big season for the former Portugal youth international, who is eager to impress Dyche over the coming weeks. He spent last season in the Netherlands with Cambuur, clocking up 17 appearances and receiving a number of individual accolades for his performances, before falling out of favour. The season before he spent at Portuguese side Sporting, playing in the Lisbon side’s Champions League tie at Ajax.
Speaking upon the announcement of his new deal, Virginia said: "I’m really happy to be at Everton and it’s a great moment for me and my family to sign this new contract. It’s nice to be back at Finch Farm and I’m looking forward to the season. A lot has changed since I’ve been away on loan last season. There’s new players and a new manager so it feels like a fresh start."
Virginia has made three first team appearances for the Blues - starting in a 3-0 victory over Salford Cityin the Carabao Cup second round in September 2020, replacing the injured Jordan Pickford during the opening half of a Premier League game against Burnley the following March and then starting the FA Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester City seven days later. He won the youth double with Everton’s Under-23s and has represented Portugal up to the U21s.
Virginia is ambitious and was hopeful of greater opportunity heading into this summer. That was before the exit of Begovic was confirmed, leaving Everton with Pickford and 39-year-old Andy Lonergan - who has committed to a further year with the club - as the remaining senior goalkeepers from last season’s first team squad.
Virginia has internal competition and Dyche may yet explore the transfer market, but his budget is thought to be limited and his recruitment ‘to do’ list is extensive. Speaking to the ECHO earlier this year, Virginia told of his desire to play a role at Everton. He also highlighted his gratitude at the way the club had handled his development so far, particularly goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly - who kept in touch with him and helped to analyse his performances last season despite being based in a different country.
Virginia said: “It is up to Everton because I respect the club’s decision and I think I am at a stage in my career where I want to compete and I want to play. If it is at Everton, then perfect, I know I can compete for a spot. Being at Everton is fantastic… The thing I appreciate a lot with Everton over the past few years is that they want to develop me, they believe in my development.”
On Virginia’s new contract, Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “Joao is a talented young goalkeeper who holds a lot of promise and we’re pleased to have him extend his time at the club. He’s gained valuable experience through his loan moves as he continues his development."
