Godwin ObajeEverton Set for Summer Departures: Joao Virginia, Ashley Young, and Asmir Begovic to Leave on Free Transfers
Everton fans are bracing for a busy summer transfer window, with several key players set to depart Goodison Park as their contracts expire. The club’s leadership, under manager David Moyes, will have difficult decisions to make as the Toffees look to reshape their squad for the coming season. Among those confirmed to be leaving are veteran goalkeeper Joao Virginia, experienced right-back Ashley Young, and veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The departures signal the end of an era for the Merseyside club, which is poised for significant changes.
As is typical in the final stretch of the season, speculation surrounding player futures intensifies, with clubs looking to finalise contracts and make room for new acquisitions. At Everton, the end of the 2024/25 campaign brings the certainty that some key players, who have played their part in the club’s journey over the last few years, will soon be moving on.
Joao Virginia: A New Chapter Awaits
One of the most notable departures this summer is that of Joao Virginia, whose future at Everton has been the subject of speculation for several months. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who has been part of the club since 2018, is set to leave on a free transfer. This follows confirmation from renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reported that Virginia has opted against signing a new contract with the Toffees.
“Joao Virginia leaves Everton on a free transfer as the goalkeeper won’t sign a new deal at the club,” Romano confirmed on May 17, 2025. “He’s ready for a new chapter as he recently signed with Gestifute as his new agency.”
The news was confirmed by Virginia himself earlier in the week, when he bid farewell to Everton through a social media post, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him during his time at the club. His exit, while not entirely surprising, marks the end of his Everton career, which had been largely spent as a backup to the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Virginia’s departure is expected to open up space for new signings, as Everton look to refresh their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
For Virginia, the decision to leave Everton and seek a new challenge was likely influenced by his lack of regular first-team action in recent years. Despite making sporadic appearances in domestic cup competitions and as a backup to Jordan Pickford, Virginia had not managed to secure a consistent starting role in the league. With his contract winding down and the allure of a fresh opportunity on the horizon, it appears the Portuguese goalkeeper is ready for a new chapter in his career.
Virginia will have the chance to say his final goodbye to Everton supporters on Sunday, at the club’s final match of the season at Goodison Park. The game provides a fitting opportunity for the goalkeeper to express his gratitude to the club’s passionate fanbase, which has supported him during his time at the club.
Ashley Young and Asmir Begovic: Parting Ways After Limited Roles
In addition to Virginia, two other experienced players will also be leaving Everton this summer. Both Ashley Young and Asmir Begovic are set to depart on free transfers when their contracts expire at the end of June.
Ashley Young, now 39 years old, has been a dependable squad player for Everton since joining from Aston Villa in 2023. The versatile right-back, who has had a distinguished career in the Premier League, initially joined with the expectation of providing depth and leadership to the squad. Despite his advancing age, Young has continued to play an important role under Moyes, featuring regularly from the bench and occasionally in the starting lineup.
However, the time has come for Young to move on. The player, whose contract expires in the coming weeks, has not been offered a new deal, and it appears the club is ready to turn a new page in their evolution. The decision to part ways with Young, despite his contributions on and off the field, reflects the ambitions of the Friedkin family, who have taken charge of Everton in recent years and are intent on reshaping the squad for the future.
Young’s exit is a clear signal of Everton’s desire to inject youth and energy into their ranks. The club’s management, led by Moyes, will be looking to add younger, more dynamic players to the squad, and with Young’s contract expiring, the club will likely seek to replace him with a fresh face for the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Asmir Begovic, who has served as a backup goalkeeper at Everton since 2021, will also leave the club upon the expiration of his contract. The 37-year-old has been a reliable figure in the dressing room, providing experience and mentorship to younger goalkeepers. However, Begovic’s chances of playing regularly at Everton have been limited, and with the club now looking to strengthen in various areas, it seems unlikely that the Bosnian international will be offered a new deal.
Everton’s Summer Overhaul
The departures of Young, Begovic, and Virginia are just the beginning of what is expected to be a busy summer at Everton. The club will be looking to make significant changes to the squad, with new signings expected to bolster Moyes’ options in key areas. While the Toffees have made strides in recent years, securing mid-table finishes in the Premier League, they will be hoping to build upon this foundation and challenge for higher positions in the league next season.
The Friedkin family, who have been actively involved in the club’s decision-making, are expected to invest in new players to revitalise the squad. With the club’s financial backing and a solid managerial structure in place, the summer transfer window will be a crucial period for Everton as they look to position themselves as a more competitive force in English football.
There will also be a focus on replacing the departing players. The club’s defensive depth will likely be a priority, with Young’s exit leaving a void at right-back. Additionally, the departure of both Begovic and Virginia suggests that the Toffees may be in the market for a new goalkeeper, potentially one with more experience or a young talent to challenge Pickford for the number one spot.
Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead
For Everton fans, the departures of these seasoned players are bittersweet. Players like Ashley Young, who have offered leadership and professionalism over the years, will be missed, but the club’s supporters will undoubtedly recognise that the time for change is necessary. The squad has become somewhat stale, and while veteran experience is invaluable, there is a growing sense that Everton needs to rejuvenate their playing staff in order to progress.
The club’s summer plans will be closely watched by fans, with many eager to see how the Friedkin family’s vision for the club unfolds. There is an understanding that the road ahead will involve some short-term sacrifice for long-term gain, and with a manager of Moyes’ calibre at the helm, Evertonians are hopeful that the club will take the right steps in the transfer market.
Everton’s final home game of the season, to be played at Goodison Park, will provide a poignant farewell to the departing trio. As the club looks to build for the future, the fanbase remains hopeful that the changes will bring about positive results, both on and off the pitch.
Godwin Obaje
