Everton’s Ben Godfrey close to Atalanta move
The defender has travelled to Italy for a medical ahead of an expected switch to the Serie A side
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Ben Godfrey has travelled to Italy for a medical after Everton agreed a £10m fee to sell him to Atalanta.
The defender, who also attracted interest from Lyon, is set to join the Europa League winners in a surprise switch.
Godfrey only had one year left on his contract at Goodison Park and Everton risked losing him on a free transfer if they did not sell him this summer.
The 26-year-old has made 93 appearances for Everton but only started 13 Premier League games last season and 10 in 2022-23.
Godfrey had an outstanding first season at Goodison Park following his £20m move from Norwich in 2020 and went on to win two England caps. But since then, injuries and Covid have interrupted his Everton career and he has not been a regular under current manager Sean Dyche.
While Everton are willing to let Godfrey leave, they have rejected a £35m offer from Manchester United for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and given new contracts to veteran full-backs Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman.
Godfrey will become Everton’s second summer sale after Lewis Dobbin went to Aston Villa for £9m and is now in line to play Champions League football for Atalanta next season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments