Everton set for potential transfer windfall as exit news emerges – report
Everton poised for potential transfer boost if Ben Godfrey departs Atalanta in January, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Merseyside news outlet reported on 2 January that Everton included a sell-on clause in the £11 million transfer of Ben Godfrey to Atalanta.
Currently, the English defender has fallen out of favor in Italy, deemed “no longer key” to Atalanta’s long-term plans, and is available for transfer during the January window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
In an unexpected twist, Godfrey might return to the Premier League after a brief and underwhelming spell in Serie A.
The 26-year-old rejected contract extensions at Goodison Park last season in pursuit of a fresh challenge—a move that has backfired.
Nevertheless, Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, made a savvy decision to secure a sell-on clause in Godfrey’s deal.
With manager Sean Dyche aiming to strengthen his squad for a crucial second half of the campaign, any funds from Godfrey’s sale could be reinvested effectively.
Although Atalanta may incur a financial loss on the center-back, Godfrey remains in his prime, and several struggling Premier League teams could benefit from his experience and abilities.
Meanwhile, Dyche has successfully transformed Everton’s defense into one of the league’s strongest in recent weeks.
The central pairing of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski has been instrumental, conceding just one goal against top-tier opponents like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
A return to Everton seems highly unlikely for Godfrey.
While he managed a Champions League debut with Atalanta, his move to Serie A has been widely regarded as a failure.
Everton’s history with transfers has been mixed, but the potential profit from Godfrey’s sale could signal a positive shift in their dealings as the January window unfolds.
