Everton have completed the signing of Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey. The England U23 international has joined the Toffees for an initial £25 million in a deal which could rise to £30 million in potential add ons.
Despite Norwich’s very disappointing Premier League season, Godfrey was one of the better performers and caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti.
Godfrey will tick off a position Ancelotti has looked to strengthen throughout this transfer window.
Everton Complete the Signing of Norwich City Defender Ben Godfrey
Godfrey Returns to the Premier League After Relegation Last Season
Godfrey’s arrival is a major boost for Everton who have been chasing a centre-back to compete with Michael Keane and Yerry Mina. Everton struggled defensively last season and Godfrey’s arrival provides another option for Ancelotti.
The arrival of Godfrey will take Everton’s spending past £60 million after the Toffees brought in James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure. He is an athletic defender who was a midfielder until he joined Norwich City. Godfrey is powerful, quick and has strong aerial threat both defensively and offensively. His versatility could be really important for Ancelotti. Godfrey began his career as a defensive midfielder by the conversion to centre back has proven a real stroke of genius.
Godfrey will join an Everton side enjoying a terrific start to the season. The Toffees have won all six games in the league and cup this season. The signing of Godfrey is another statement of intent as the Toffees target a top-six finish. Momentum and confidence is high and certainly this a very good time to join Everton.
The game against Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow may come too soon. However, his debut could arrive in the first Merseyside derby of the season after the international break. A real baptism of fire for the England U23 international.
Main Photo
