Everton Center Back Rejects Contract Offer
By Marley Pope
Everton center-back Ben Godfrey has reportedly declined multiple contract offers from Everton to extend his stay with the Toffees beyond next summer. This news puts Everton in a bind this summer and will need to decide the ramifications of this.
On one hand, Everton can try to sell Godfrey this summer while he is still under contract. The price for the player is the issue, and the likelihood of receiving a fee close to what they gave Norwich City is zero. If anything, Everton could sell Godfrey for 10 million euros at the most, which is generous.
Despite Godfrey making just 28 appearances in the last two seasons, some clubs are still interested in him, which we have previously mentioned. Give that, Everton could strike a deal for Godfrey and not have to worry about another player leaving the club for free.
On the other hand, Everton has a thin squad, and letting players go for minimal fees might not be the best move given the circumstances surrounding the club. After 777 partners lost their right of exclusivity to buy Everton, Farhad Moshiri is sorting through numerous offers from several parties.
Until a new owner is sorted, I do not think Everton should attempt selling players for little profit if they cannot be adequately replaced. The only way I see Godfrey gone is if Jarrad Branthwaite or Amadou Onana is sold, bringing in a big profit.
Even then, the drowning costs of the new stadium may put improving the squad down the list of priorities. Everton have resigned two defenders in club captain Seamus Coleman and long-time premier league player Ashley Young. But both are old and leave a massive hole in Everton's future right fullback.
Now, Nathan Patterson could fill that hole but he has shown little in his limited performances. His injury history and lack of playing time make it difficult to see him starting for Everton in the future. If he can manage to maintain his heath and be a decent player, maybe Godfrey leaving will not cause any issues.
Nevertheless, Everton must tread lightly this summer and carefully work to ensure the short-term and long-term sustainability of the club. That includes ensuring the squad on the field is ready to compete in the Premier League.