Struggling Everton Center Back Receiving Interest from Top European Clubs
By Marley Pope
When Ben Godfrey arrived in Merseyside in 2020, he looked like a defender who could become a mainstay in the team for the foreseeable future.
His first season in blue under Carlo Ancelotti showed his excellent pace and defensive instincts. Since then, he has not managed to have the same effect on the game nor be a reliable starter consistently.
According to transfer correspondent Peter O'Rourke of Football Insider, Godfrey is receiving interest from AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund just ended a spectacular run in the Champions League losing to Real Madrid in the final and Milan finished second in Serie A this season.
Godfrey's decline started during the 2022 season when in the season opener, he suffered a horrific leg injury that sidelined him for three months, and he made just 14 appearances that season.
Former manager Frank Lampard used a formation with three center-backs and wingbacks in that match. Since then, Godfrey has not been the same which is not to blame him, just the harsh reality of injuries in football.
I think that setup suits Godfrey the best because he can use his pace without being a right back and has more support in the buildup while on the ball.
However, neither Dortmund nor Milan go with three center-backs, so it will be interesting if Godfrey can find a role at either of these clubs if he ends up being sold.
In the current situation, Everton does have a tough decision to make. Godfrey's contract is up next summer, so do you give him a new contract, let him walk as a free agent, or sell him now?
Everton paid 25 million pounds for him from Norwich City, a number they certainly would not make back if they do strike a deal as Godfrey's current value is 10 million euros.
The risk of selling Godfrey and not finding an adequate replacement is high and I think Everton needs to have caution to not make the squad unsustainably thin moving forward.
I believe Godfrey has a role in the team and can contribute, especially since he is the best option out of the backup central defenders.