Sporting are set to try to renew João Virgínia’s loan spell at the club, according to reports from the Portuguese media today.
The Everton goalkeeper moved to the Lions at the start of the season, with the deal including an option to buy. Now newspaper Record writes that instead of signing him permanently, the Lions actually want to extend the temporary agreement.
The main reason for it is the cost to buy Virgínia. Despite reports claiming the clause was of €3.5m, it’s now claimed Sporting would need to spend €5m on the purchase.
Then there’s also the issue that the 22-year-old hasn’t even played enough to convince them of making the investment. So far, he’s only been a second option in the squad, making only seven appearances this season, none of them in the Portuguese league.
According to Record, Virgínia is keen on staying at Sporting, regardless of on a loan or a permanent deal. The player is said to be happy, both personally and sportingly’, and accepts that the loan is renewed.
Now the Lions must speak to Everton and see what they think of it. It’s claimed that the goalkeeper’s wish to stay could be used as a strong argument to get to a new deal with the Toffees.
Virgínia’s contract with the Goodison Park side runs until 2024.
