João Virgínia’s return to Sporting is set to prove short-lived, with Wolverhampton Wanderers now closing in on the goalkeeper.
The former Everton man only returned to Lisbon last summer. He is now expected to head back to England, with reports in Portugal saying a deal has been agreed.
Wolves reach agreement for João Virgínia
Bola na Rede bring the latest on Wednesday, citing information from Portuguese outlet NOW. Local journalist Sebastião Sousa-Pinto says there is a “total agreement” for the transfer.
They say Virgínia is leaving Sporting and should continue his career at Wolves, to work under César Peixoto.
The 26-year-old wants a project where he can get more minutes and challenge for the number one spot. That was proving difficult at Sporting due to Rui Silva’s presence.
According to the journalist, Wolves will pay €1.5m (£1.3m), with another €1m (£865k) available through bonuses.
That’s a tidy piece of business for Sporting. They picked up Virgínia for nothing after his Everton contract expired last summer.
He made only five appearances for Sporting last season, conceding five goals and keeping one clean sheet.
Now the Portuguese side are set to make a small profit while allowing the goalkeeper to pursue more regular football.
Sporting already have replacement lined up
Sporting also appear to have prepared for Virgínia’s departure. Brazilian goalkeeper Kaique Pereira is close to being officially announced and should become Rui Silva’s new deputy.
That clears the way for Virgínia to return to England after just one season back in Portugal. There is some irony in how quickly things have changed.
When Virgínia returned to Sporting last summer, he made no secret of how much the move meant to him.
A year later, regular football appears to have won out. Wolves are offering him a new route in England, and the deal now seems to be in its final stages.
