The goalkeeper signs through to 2028

Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed goalkeeper João Virgínia on a permanent deal through to 2028, with a 60 million euro buyout clause.

The move marks a return for the 25-year-old goalkeeper to the club, as in 2021/22 João Virgínia played 8 games on loan from Everton FC, winning the Taça da Liga that campaign.

The Portuguese Under-21 international now comes in on a permanent basis, and is delighted with the agreement.

"I'm very happy to be returning to Sporting CP -a club that I know well. I already knew most of the players before coming here, and this is a place where I've been treated well in the past. Everything is going to work out well, for sure, because Sporting CP is in my heart. Ever since I left, I've wanted to return, and I was really happy when the deal went through," he began by telling club media.

"The intention was always to return. When I first came here, Sporting CP had just won the league title. Now they have won it in back-to-back years and we want to fight for the third in a row. I'm here to help and to fight."

The goalkeeper, who has spent most of his career to date in England, recalled that he previously had "an excellent relationship with the fans" during his first spell at Sporting CP, which he is certain will continue.
 
"Since then, I've been keeping that relationship alive, and I know they'll welcome me with open arms," he added.

"I have already had a good conversation with Rui Borges, the coach, who is a five-star person, and I feel ready to train and help the team."

The goalkeeper will once again face high-level competition for his position, as he himself admits.

"I've worked with great goalkeepers in my career. My first time here, it was [Antonio] Adán, now it's Rui [Silva]. I know we'll have a good relationship," he said.

"I arrived a few hours ago and it feels as if I'd never left. I'm more than adapted to the club and the reality of playing for Sporting CP. I can't wait to play again with the lion on my chest. (...) I've been following and watching most of the club's games. Being back here after all these years is a huge joy," he concluded.