Axel Meunier, Media365, published on Friday June 28, 2024 at 11:39 a.m.
At the end of his contract next year, Ben Godfrey could leave Everton this summer. Atalanta Bergamo, recent winner of the Europa League, is very interested in the profile of the English defender.
After finishing fourth in Serie A and winning the Europa League against Xabi Alonso’s unbeatable Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta Bergamo have had an excellent season, qualifying for the next Champions League. While the option to buy Charles De Ketelaere has been exercised, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team are still looking to strengthen their defense this summer, in need of some reinforcements after the departure of Jose Luis Palomino and the serious injury suffered by Giorgio Scalvini. According to information from Gianluca Di Marzio, DEA are close to signing Ben Godfrey from Everton. The two clubs just need to find an agreement that meets the Toffees’ demands for the 26-year-old English defender. A five-year contract until 2029 is being discussed.
Atalanta close to signing first summer recruit
The Italian journalist also detailed the offer submitted by Atalanta for Ben Godfrey. The amount of the transfer would be estimated at 9 million euros plus one million euros in add-ons for the player trained at York City. The former Canaries player had also attracted the attention of another club who offered the same amount as that requested by Everton, but the Bergamasques are now close to completing the transfer. Godfrey’s versatility was a key factor in the DEA’s decision to sign him. Although he is primarily a central defender, he can also operate as a right defender. This flexibility will bring valuable depth to the Italian team. The 26-year-old Englishman, who reaches the end of his contract in June 2025, has only played 16 games this season for the Toffees. Without being able to convince coach Sean Dyche, the Merseysiders are therefore ready to sell him to replenish the coffers before June 30 in order to respect the financial fair play deadline.
