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Friedkin Group visit revealed as Everton sent exciting transfer message - 'They want to invest'Joao Virginia is set to leave Everton this summer but thinks the future will be exciting under

the new ownersCommentsSportMatt C Jones14:16, 03 Jun 2025Everton executive chairman, and key Friedkin Group figure, Marc Watts (R) looks on next to interim chief executive officer Colin

Chong during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images Joao Virginia thinks Everton will have a bright

future under The Friedkin Group. The goalkeeper has been speaking about his next step after it was confirmed he would be leaving the club this summer.

The 25-year-old joined the Blues from Arsenal in 2018 and has been an able deputy to Jordan Pickford in recent years.

‌ However, Virginia's contract was not renewed at the end of the previous term, meaning the Portugal youth international is a free agent on the market this summer. He made eight senior

appearances for Everton in all competitions.

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'Thank you' Speaking to Italian outlet Diretta (h/t Sport Witness), Virginia was asked what he feels like the future looks like for the Blues under their new owners.

"As soon as they bought the club, they came to the training ground and introduced themselves to everyone." he said. "It was the first time we saw them.

"They seemed motivated to change and improve the club. They want to invest.

Article continues below "It's only been a few months, but I think Everton is going in the right direction."

Speaking about his own future, Virginia said he was open to a different opportunity and conceded it was always going to be tough for him to get in the XI at Everton.

"I don't have a preference," he said about his potential next club. "I would like to play at a good level. I have some options coming up, surely in the summer there will be many more

opportunities.

‌ "But I don't feel tied to one place. Spain, Portugal, even Italy, would be a great experience for me.

"The last two years I have been number two behind Jordan (Pickford), and it is very difficult to dislodge him, because he has had really good seasons. I worked hard to try to earn a place,

but it was difficult.

"Often you have to wait for an opportunity, an injury or a suspension. You play the cups, you do your best. I think I have done a great job.

‌ "But now it is time to go and play. I feel I have to do it. I am at an age where I need to play, I don't want to be number two forever."

The Portuguese was asked specifically about a move to Roma, who are also owned by The Friedkin Group. They have a fine goalkeeper in Mile Svilar, but he has been linked with a transfer this

summer.

Article continues below “Who knows? Svilar had an extraordinary season, I follow him a lot," said Virginia about a potential move to the Eternal City.

"We played against each other many times when we were young. He was at Benfica when I left. Roma would be a great option, it’s a great club.

"But now there’s Svilar, and we’re talking about a great goalkeeper.”