It’s been a couple of days since the Portuguese press started reporting that Everton goalkeeper João Virgínia is joining Sporting this summer.
The 21-year-old is set to sign for the Lions on a loan deal with an option to buy, and it’s been claimed that he’s expected to complete the move on Thursday.
The reports didn’t make it clear why the move is being delayed, with even Covid protocols being suggested, and the local media is back with another possibility today.
Newspaper O Jogo writes that Virgínia is indeed expected in Lisbon this week, and claims he still has some details to be sorted with Sporting before the move can be concluded.
He’s set to first land in Lisbon, sort the issues and then complete the transfer.
O Jogo points out the arrival of Asmir Begovic at Goodison Park to ‘fight for the starting place’ against Jordan Pickford was seen as an ‘indicator’ that Everton manager Rafa Benitez doesn’t count on Virgínia for the current campaign.
Meanwhile, newspaper Record says Sporting and Everton should sort final details for the move ‘in the coming hours’.
They claim the goalkeeper is expected in Lisbon on Friday.