Many Everton fans have been reacting on social media to reports by the Liverpool Echo, claiming that Marco Silva has met with Director of Football Marcel Brands to discuss Joao Virginia’s future on loan with Reading.
The Portuguese shot-stopper moved to the Madejski Stadium on a season-long deal in the summer, but has only made three appearances across all competitions and has not featured in a Championship matchday squad since September.
Virginia had opened the campaign as Jose Gomes’ first-choice option between the sticks, but lost his place in the side after two league games and has not played in the league since, despite Mark Bowen taking charge in October.
He was given an outing in the Carabao Cup Third Round against Wolverhampton Wanderers after three league games on the bench, when Reading lost on penalties.
We hold an option to recall Virginia in January, although the club will only have a defined period to trigger the clause, as it does not cover the entire month.
Under 23s boss David Unsworth has confirmed to the Echo that he, Silva and Brands have met to discuss Virginia’s future, stating: “He’s having a tough time at the moment and we have discussed it.
“I’m not really sure [what] the final decision on what is going to happen, but all I know is that he’s an absolute top, top young goalkeeper. He’s had a bad loan, it happens. Look what happened to Beni [Baningime] last year.
“We all know Beni’s qualities. It can happen. I’m sure he will be a better person for it when he comes back, whenever he comes back.”
Unsworth added that he has spoken with Virginia “a couple of times”, noting: “Reading say he’s been training well, he’s just been unlucky. You get that.”
Would you take Unsworth as Silva's successor?
Yes, absolutely
Only as caretaker
No, he isn't good enough
Here are some of the messages shared in response to the Echo’s report…
Well that’s good to know. Said nobody ever.
— Rob Coppell (@coppelli1878) November 25, 2019
Who the hell cares..3rd choice goalkeeper.They should have more important things to be discussing
— David Flanagan (@DAVEFEFC) November 25, 2019
Why as we have 2 keepers
— Kevin wallace (@Toffeekev) November 25, 2019
This is the news we’ve all been waiting for!
— LIAM HAWES (@liamphawes) November 25, 2019
A 3rd choice keepers playing time should be at the bottom of the things to do list!!
— Teeth (@majomajor_teeth) November 25, 2019
This isn’t the type of talk they should be having tbh
— EvertonViking (@EvertonViking) November 25, 2019
Loan Star? Who has played 3 times for reading???? HA!
— Jonathan Rooney (@rooney_jonathan) November 25, 2019
I think they have more important things to discuss than the game time of a 3rd choice goalkeeper!!
— Patrick Fogarty (@Pcf4) November 25, 2019
Why can’t this be kenny
— ????Joe (@efcjoe1) November 25, 2019