Everton defender Ben Godfrey is on the verge of joining Atalanta in a deal worth €9 million plus €1 million in bonuses. The 26-year-old English center-back is expected to arrive in Bergamo today to undergo a medical and sign a five-year contract with the Italian club.
Gazzetta dello Sport highlight how Atalanta has moved swiftly to secure Godfrey’s signature, with the deal being finalized in the last 48 hours. The defender, who was set to enter the final year of his contract with Everton, has chosen to join the reigning Europa League champions and will have the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.
Godfrey’s versatility is a key factor in Atalanta’s decision to sign him. While primarily a center-back, he can also operate as a right-sided defender. This flexibility will provide valuable depth to Atalanta’s squad, especially as they await the return of Giorgio Scalvini from injury.
The signing of Godfrey aligns with Atalanta’s strategy of acquiring young, promising talent with room for development. The club sees him as a player who can gradually integrate into the team, absorbing manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactics and adapting to the rhythms of Italian football. With established defenders like Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolasinac, and Isaac Hien already in the squad, Godfrey will have time to settle in without immediate pressure to perform.
Godfrey’s experience includes two appearances for the England national team in friendlies during 2021. In the past season, he featured 16 times for Everton, with most of his playing time coming in the latter half of the campaign.
While Atalanta is close to finalizing the Godfrey deal, they are also monitoring the situation of Nicolò Zaniolo. The club is in a tussle with Fiorentina for the Italian midfielder’s signature, with negotiations ongoing with Galatasaray. Atalanta’s ability to offer Champions League football could be a decisive factor in attracting Zaniolo, should they pursue the transfer further.
