David Moyes will have to make some ruthless decisions at Everton in the transfer market.
It can’t be a summer to mess about for Moyes and The Friedkin Group, as with Premier League safety looking all but secured, the attention can soon turn to transfers.
There will be both incoming and outgoings, as Mason Holgate is leaving Everton after ten years.
Although not part of the squad, it’s still a sacrifice to long-standing players, but other experienced players like Ashley Young could depart the club in the summer.
However, one player who seemed like he was leaving is now looking to stay at Everton.
Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Joao Virginia wants to stay at Everton in message to David Moyes
This will certainly come as a surprise to Moyes, as Joao Virginia wanted to leave Everton but has done a U-Turn on his position.
Virginia has been with the Toffees for seven seasons now, enduring three loan spells along the way.
The Portuguese goalkeeper has been back-up to Jordan Pickford throughout his entire Everton career which makes sense why he’d want a move.
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However, it seems this might not be the case at all as despite Virginia exploring his options, he now wants to remain with Moyes’ side.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the 25-year-old finds it frustrating being the number two but would be willing to remain at the club.
“It’s Everton that has to trigger the option. I’m hoping they do, to be fair, because I love the club, I love everything around it,” Virginia said.
“I’m very settled on Merseyside. My priority would be playing more games, and if I can do that, Everton would be amazing.
“It is not an easy spot to be in, being a backup. It’s something that weighs on your mind, it’s tough, it gets you tired because ideally you want to be playing more and more.”
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Moyes should keep Virginia if he wants Everton stay
This should surely be a no-brainer for the Everton boss.
Virginia has been a loyal servant to the club, and you rarely see that from a number two who still has plenty of time left in his career.
It’s been clear that the goalkeeper won’t get in over Pickford, but his admiration for the club is exactly someone Moyes needs around the dressing room.
But this isn’t the only positive, as the Portuguese keeper can be relied upon, after Virginia was ‘excellent’ for Everton vs Crystal Palace last season.
The keeper wanting to leave wasn’t a surprise, but his new stance certainly is.
However, Moyes should have no complaints and tie Virginia down to a new deal, which will save the hassle of searching for a replacement in the summer.