---
title: "Virals: Everton boss confirms Andy Lonergan signing in press conference"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/virals-everton-boss-confirms-andy-lonergan-signing-in-press-conference/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2021-08-20T12:45:00Z"
modified: "2021-08-20T12:45:00Z"
---

# Virals: Everton boss confirms Andy Lonergan signing in press conference

[Everton](https://readeverton.com/2021/08/20/virals-tweet-explains-everton-position-in-goalkeeping-merry-go-round/) have confirmed the signing of free agent Andy Lonergan in unorthodox fashion, with Rafa Benitez confirming the signing in his press conference.

The decision to bring in the ex-Leeds and Preston shot-stopper came after an [injury](https://twitter.com/Everton/status/1428672418495844360)to young ‘keeper Harry Tyrer, whilst Benitez also confirmed the news that Joao Virginia is expected to be loaned out.

As per reports, Virginia is [set to join Sporting](https://readeverton.com/2021/08/20/virals-tweet-explains-everton-position-in-goalkeeping-merry-go-round/) on loan in his home country, with the Lisbon-based outfit retaining an option to buy the player for a modest fee.

Virginia will replace the outgoing Luis Maximiano who joined La Liga side Granada on a long-term deal.

Consequentially, Lonergan has penned a one-year deal and will serve as a deputy to Jordan Pickford and fellow summer goalkeeping arrival Asmir Begovic.

As shared by [Sky Sports on Twitter](https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1428671159621627904), the first official mention came from Benitez himself in today’s press conference as opposed to through club channels on social media or their website.

Lonergan is a former Liverpool-affiliated figure much like Benitez, having served as a backup during Liverpool’s title-winning 2019/20 season.

Similarly, he now finds himself in the blue half of Merseyside as he looks to serve the club in a stop-gap capacity.

### Read Everton Verdict

Given the hole in the squad, recruiting the [well-travelled and experienced](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/andy-lonergan/profil/spieler/14044)shot-stopper makes sense.

He is familiar and comfortable with more of a back-seat role, having recently operated in similar roles at Liverpool, Stoke and West Brom.