A new setback is expected for Leeds United as Ben Godfrey is said to have made his transfer policy known.
Daniel Farke has made Everton defender Godfrey his main priority, but Leeds’ hopes may already be gone.
Leeds United has one week remaining in the January transfer window, therefore they are in a race against time to sign their desired transfers before the deadline.
The Whites’ roster will be finalized after 11 p.m. on January 31. A plethora of names, mostly defenders, have been linked to moves to Elland Road. These players include center backs, full backs, and even players who can play any of the three positions with ease.
Ben Godfrey, an out-of-favor Everton defender, is rumored to be on United’s radar. Over the weekend, Calcio Mercato in Italy reported that Leeds was interested in Godfrey as the mid-season transfer window closed.
Although the 26-year-old has only made two appearances for the Toffees in the Premier League this season, Leeds was reportedly engaged in a heated competition for his services, with teams from both abroad and in England reportedly considering a late deal for the adaptable defender.
Godfrey’s availability was reportedly being investigated by Sheffield United and Italian powerhouse AC Milan, according to the previously cited Calcio Mercato story. If an offer was made, it would be a significant step for the former Norwich City player.
According to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, Godfrey is said to prefer a move overseas if it can happen rather than moving to another club in the English leagues.
That would put a team like Milan at the head of the race for his services, whilst Atalanta have already reportedly been in talks to try and land Godfrey’s services to no avail.
Everton are also said to want a permanent transfer if any to let Godfrey go and they are not particularly keen on entertaining straight loan deals for the back-up defender – that would likely not suit Leeds due to the fact they are currently a Championship club.
If Godfrey decides to leave Everton in search of greater playing time, he might prefer to relocate abroad, but there’s no assurance that any prospective international suitors will have the financial means to pay the Toffees the amount they demand for his services.
And if Godfrey’s only goal at this point in his career is playing time, then going on loan to Leeds could be the best option. At this point, all Godfrey needs is consistent playing time.
While Leeds is close to Godfrey’s hometown of York, Merseyside isn’t exactly a million miles away. With the right-back position open under Farke, Godfrey could fill in there naturally and absolve teenage midfielder Archie Gray of that duty.
Given that Godfrey’s contract expires in 2025, Everton may find it advantageous to keep the defender in the shop window for the remainder of the campaign in order to recoup some of its costs.
Leave a Reply