Everton will have to consider their options for Joao Virginia in the January transfer market, after the Liverpool Echo revealed details of his loan move to Reading.
Virginia moved to the Madejski Stadium in the summer on a one-season deal, as the club sought to see the Portuguese goalkeeper earn valuable minutes in senior football after being one of the stand-out talents of our Under 23s last term.
The former Arsenal youth captain was a key member of David Unsworth’s squad in 2018/19, as his young Toffees side clinched Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup honours.
Unfortunately, Virginia’s time at Reading has not been as beneficial as it could have been, as he has only made three outings for the Championship side and has not featured in any competition since September. The 20-year-old has also been omitted from the Royal’s last seven matchday squads.
Everton hold an option to recall Virginia from his spell at the Madejski Stadium in the winter market due to a clause inserted in the loan agreement reached with Reading in July, however, the club have a limited window to activate it.
The Liverpool Echo note Everton chiefs can only trigger the recall agreement during a defined, but unspecified, window, which does not cover the entire January market.
If the club were to recall Virginia at the earliest possible moment, the board would then be able to swiftly set about finding an alternative home for the 6 ft 3 shot-stopper to see out the remainder of the campaign.
Should Everton recall Virginia from Reading?
No, see if he can fight for his place
Yes, see if he can challenge Pickford
Yes, and send him somewhere on loan
Virginia had moved to the Royals to work under compatriot Jose Gomes who started the Blues prospect in Reading’s first two Championship fixtures of the term, but is yet to feature under new head coach Mark Bowen following his appointment in October.
The two-time Portugal U21 international conceded five goals in his two second-tier outings, and failed to save any of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ penalties in his sole Carabao Cup outing of the term.