In a significant move for both player and clubs, Ben Godfrey has made the decision to leave Everton in January 2025 and join Atalanta in Serie A. The 25-year-old defender, who had been a key figure for the Toffees in recent years, is now embarking on a new chapter of his career in Italy. This transfer has raised plenty of questions, not only regarding Godfrey’s future but also the potential impact it will have on both Everton and Atalanta as they look to strengthen their squads.
This article delves into the details surrounding Ben Godfrey’s move from Everton to Atalanta, why he made the switch, and what both clubs can expect from this transfer. We’ll also analyze the implications of this transfer on Godfrey’s career, his potential role at Atalanta, and how he fits into their long-term plans.
Ben Godfrey’s Career at Everton: A Rollercoaster Journey
Ben Godfrey’s career at Everton started in the summer of 2020 when he made the switch from Norwich City to Merseyside for a reported fee of around £20 million. At the time, Godfrey was regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League, having impressed with his leadership and versatility at Norwich. His ability to play as a center-back or full-back made him a valuable asset to Everton, providing flexibility to their defensive options.
During his time at Goodison Park, Godfrey showed flashes of brilliance but was also plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Under various managers, including Carlo Ancelotti and Frank Lampard, Godfrey struggled to cement a regular spot in the starting lineup. Despite his potential, injuries limited his opportunities, and he often found himself in and out of the team. Everton’s defensive struggles during these seasons only added to the challenges, with the team failing to achieve the level of stability and form expected in the Premier League.
The turning point in Godfrey’s career at Everton came in the 2023-2024 season when he started to show more consistency. However, Everton’s overall struggles, which included relegation battles and a lack of progress, may have contributed to his decision to seek a new challenge. With Everton in a rebuilding phase and Godfrey at a crossroads in his career, the move to Atalanta seemed like a natural step forward for both the player and the club.
Why Ben Godfrey Chose Atalanta
The decision to move from the Premier League to Serie A might seem surprising to some, but for Ben Godfrey, it presents an opportunity to relaunch his career in a league known for its tactical sophistication and defensive stability. There are several reasons why Godfrey may have decided that Atalanta was the right move for him at this stage of his career.
1. A Fresh Start
After spending several years in a struggling Everton side, Godfrey was likely in need of a fresh start. Atalanta, known for its fast-paced, attacking style of football, offers a different environment that could suit Godfrey’s skill set. The Serie A side has a reputation for nurturing talented players and providing them with the opportunity to develop. By making the move to Atalanta, Godfrey is taking a bold step to reignite his career and prove himself in a different competitive setting.
2. Tactical Fit Under Gian Piero Gasperini
Atalanta, under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, is known for its attacking football and high-pressing style, but the team also requires solid defensive organization. For a player like Godfrey, who is strong, versatile, and capable of playing in a high defensive line, Gasperini’s system could prove to be a perfect fit. Gasperini’s approach to football emphasizes both defensive solidity and the ability to push forward, traits that Godfrey has shown flashes of during his time at Everton.
The move to Atalanta will give Godfrey a chance to sharpen his skills, as he will be playing in a defense-oriented system that demands discipline, positioning, and concentration. If he can adapt to Gasperini’s style, Godfrey could become a key player in one of Serie A’s most exciting sides.
3. European Football Ambitions
One of the major attractions for Godfrey in moving to Atalanta is the prospect of competing in European competitions. Atalanta has consistently qualified for European tournaments over the past few years, including the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. For a player like Godfrey, who has yet to experience the intensity of European football at the highest level, this move could provide him with the exposure and opportunities to grow as a player on the continental stage.
Atalanta’s presence in Europe, along with their competitive nature in Serie A, provides Godfrey with the chance to take his career to new heights, playing in one of the top leagues in Europe and competing against some of the best teams in the world.
4. Long-Term Stability
Atalanta has established itself as a consistent force in Serie A, with a clear strategy focused on youth development, tactical discipline, and intelligent recruitment. The club’s ability to integrate young talents into their first team could be a major factor in Godfrey’s decision. Atalanta has demonstrated an excellent track record of developing players into key figures, and Godfrey will be hoping to do the same while playing under Gasperini’s leadership. This move could offer him long-term stability and the chance to build a career at a club with clear ambitions for continued growth.
What Does This Move Mean for Atalanta?
Atalanta’s decision to sign Ben Godfrey is a significant one. The club has been in need of defensive reinforcements to improve their squad depth and to strengthen their backline. Despite their attacking prowess, Atalanta’s defense has occasionally been their Achilles’ heel, especially against the stronger teams in Serie A and European competition. Godfrey’s arrival adds much-needed versatility and quality to the defensive options available to Gasperini.
Versatility in Defense
Godfrey is a versatile defender who can play in several positions across the backline. This versatility will be valuable for Atalanta, as Gasperini is known for rotating his squad and using players in different roles depending on the tactical requirements of the match. Whether deployed as a center-back in a back three or as a full-back, Godfrey’s ability to adapt to different defensive setups will provide Atalanta with the flexibility to address a variety of situations.
Strengthening the Backline
The addition of Godfrey will significantly strengthen Atalanta’s defense. His athleticism, aerial ability, and leadership qualities make him a formidable presence at the back. Having struggled with defensive consistency in the past, Atalanta will be hoping that Godfrey can bring a level of stability to their backline, helping them to compete more effectively against top teams both domestically and in Europe.
What Does This Mean for Everton?
For Everton, losing Ben Godfrey represents another setback in what has been a tumultuous period for the club. While Godfrey’s time at Everton was marked by inconsistency, his departure leaves Everton with a void to fill in defense. The club’s rebuilding process, led by manager Sean Dyche, will need to focus on bringing in new defensive reinforcements to replace Godfrey and strengthen the squad as they continue to fight for survival and stability in the Premier League.
Everton will need to be strategic in the transfer market to make up for the loss of Godfrey, and this could impact their ability to strengthen other areas of the team.
Ben Godfrey’s Future: What Lies Ahead?
Ben Godfrey’s move to Atalanta marks an exciting new chapter in his career. As he adapts to Serie A and plays under one of the most tactically astute managers in Europe, Godfrey will be looking to prove himself as one of the top defenders in the league. If he can fulfill his potential at Atalanta, it may not be long before he becomes a key player for the club and earns the recognition he deserves on the international stage.
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