Everton find unlikely solution to nightmare scenario as transfer possibility increases

It was during the recent win over Newcastle United that Everton supporters had their hearts in their mouths.

Jordan Pickford was down, receiving treatment after picking up a knock. The panic around Goodison Park was clear for all to see.

The prospect of the Blues being without Pickford is something fans dare not think about. He is one of Sean Dyche’s best and most reliable players. Following the departure of Asmir Begovic during the summer, plenty of Blues supporters were left wondering what might come next.

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Tom Heaton was a name that floated around as someone who could come in and play the role of back-up goalkeeper. However, with Everton failing to bring in a replacement for Begovic, that has presented an opportunity for Joao Virginia to stake his claim as the club’s No. 2.

During his time at Goodison, the Portugal youth international has had numerous loan moves away from the club. He has spent time at Reading, Sporting CP and Cambuur in recent years.

And before he featured against Crystal Palace earlier this month, the last time Virginia played a competitive match for the club was back in March 2021, when he started a home FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.

But after Wednesday’s game, it is now clear that Everton have someone good enough to play back-up to Pickford. In fact, it is thanks to Virginia that the Blues will face Luton Town in the fourth round.

Just seconds after Andre Gomes scored the only goal of the game, he produced a superb stop to deny Tyrick Mitchell from drawing Palace level. But it was in the second-half when the goalkeeper showed