Big January Transfer Is In Store for Former Norwich City Star

Former Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey will be allowed to depart Premier League outfit Everton in January, according to Football Insider.

The 25-year-old joined the Toffees in 2020 for a fee of around £20 million following the Canaries relegation to the Championship. He immediately became an ever-present at Goodison Park, making 31 top flight appearances in his debut season.

Injury disrupted his second season on Merseyside and time on the pitch has declined since, culminating in just the one minute of Premier League action so far this season. Manager Sean Dyche has opted for a centre-back pairing of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski this season as Everton have had to navigate a 10-point deduction. However, three successive wins has seen them move out of the relegation places and open up a four-point gap on 18th placed Luton Town.

 

 

Godfrey has been an unused substitute in 15 of Everton’s 16 Premier League games and it is said that a January exit is on the cards. Whilst Branthwaite is attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, there appears to be little chance of him being allowed to depart, although the same does not apply to his defensive teammate.

According to the report, Spurs are also keen on the two-time England international in order to ease their injury concerns. Dyche is willing to sanction his exit in order to boost the coffers and lighten their wage bill. It is also claimed that they would be willing to take a hit on their initial £20 million outlay.

Whilst a permanent transfer would be preferred, it could be possible that the North Londoner’s would rather a loan whilst they wait for the likes of Micky van de Ven and Eric Dier to return from their respective niggles, although both are not expected to be out for the long-term.

Writer’s View

Godfrey’s career has stalled over the past 12 months and he really needs a move. It may have been that he would’ve been looking at a drop back to the Championship, but it would be hard to turn down an opportunity to represent a team challenging for a Champions League spot.

Should he only get a loan move, it represents the perfect chance to put himself back in the shop window in order to retain his Premier League status elsewhere next season. He is a talented player that belongs in the top tier, but this transfer needs to happen next month before he falls off the radar.