Ben Godfrey’s Transfer Saga: A Cautionary Tale for Everton Players
Ben Godfrey, the former Everton defender, is facing an uncertain future at Atalanta, just months after leaving Goodison Park. According to Italian source Tutto Atalanta, Godfrey may already be on the transfer list ahead of the January window, a shocking turn of events for a player who was expected to thrive in Serie A.
Godfrey’s transfer to Atalanta was seen as a fresh start for the defender, who had slipped down the pecking order under Sean Dyche at Everton. However, his struggles to make an impact at the Italian club have raised questions about his decision to leave the Toffees.
The 25-year-old made 93 appearances for Everton after joining from Norwich City in 2020, but his playing time decreased significantly in his final season under Dyche. Despite this, Godfrey’s departure came as a surprise to many, given his potential and versatility as a defender.
Atalanta’s decision to sign Godfrey for £10million was seen as a coup for the Serie A side, but his lack of playing time and impact on the team has raised eyebrows. Godfrey’s first appearance for the club came as a substitute against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, but he failed to make a lasting impression.
Since then, Godfrey has made only a handful of appearances for Atalanta, including a 22-minute cameo in a 4-0 win over Lecce. His absence from the starting lineup in defeats to Torino and Inter Milan has sparked concerns about his future at the club.
Godfrey’s situation serves as a reminder to Everton players considering leaving Goodison Park that the grass is not always greener on the other side. While the defender may have been seeking a fresh start, his struggles at Atalanta highlight the challenges of adapting to a new team and league.
For Everton, Godfrey’s departure has proven to be a shrewd piece of business, with the club earning £10million from his transfer. However, the Toffees will be keeping a close eye on Godfrey’s situation, given the potential implications for their own transfer dealings.
As the January window approaches, Godfrey’s future remains uncertain. Will he be given another chance to prove himself at Atalanta, or will he be shipped out to another club? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Godfrey’s transfer saga serves as a cautionary tale for Everton players considering a move away from Goodison Park.