Ipswich Town has secured the services of defender Ben Godfrey on a loan deal from Atalanta until the end of the 2024/25 season. The former Everton full-back’s move marks a swift return to the Premier League after joining the Serie A side in June 2024. The announcement came shortly after Ipswich’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, a result that left them in the relegation zone.
Godfrey, 26, expressed his excitement at joining Ipswich Town in an interview with TownTV, saying, “It’s been an exciting couple of days and I’m just delighted to have signed and can’t wait to meet the lads and get started. I’ve watched a lot of the games from the first half of the season, and you can tell from those that the group is a tight one, full of players giving everything to achieve their goals.” His arrival bolsters manager Kieran McKenna’s defensive options as the club battles to retain their top-flight status.
Limited Game Time at Atalanta
Godfrey’s stint at Atalanta has been marred by limited playing opportunities. Since his transfer from Everton, he has made only six appearances across all competitions, including just 22 minutes of action in Serie A. His contributions in other competitions, including the Champions League, total a mere 71 minutes.Despite his lack of game time, Godfrey remains optimistic about his readiness to contribute at Ipswich. “I’ve not played as much as I would have liked so far this season, but I feel ready to contribute and am looking forward to getting out there,” he noted.
Strengthening Ipswich’s Struggling Defence
Godfrey’s experience in the Premier League will be invaluable to Ipswich Town’s defensive line, which has conceded 35 goals this season—one of the highest in the league. A versatile player, Godfrey is adept at both full-back positions and can also operate in a three-man defence. During his time at Everton, he made 93 appearances, demonstrating his reliability and adaptability at the highest level.
With Ipswich sitting in the bottom three, Godfrey’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. His leadership and defensive acumen are expected to stabilize the backline and inspire confidence among the team. Fans may see him debut in the upcoming FA Cup third-round clash against Bristol Rovers on January 12, with a potential Premier League appearance against Brighton & Hove Albion five days later.
Ipswich’s Fight for Premier League Survival
Godfrey was present at Ipswich’s recent 2-2 draw against Fulham, a result that left the Tractor Boys 18th in the Premier League standings, behind Wolves on goal difference. His arrival is expected to provide much-needed stability and leadership in defense as Ipswich battles to escape the relegation zone.
Manager Kieran McKenna has been vocal about the importance of reinforcing the squad during the January window, and Godfrey’s Premier League experience could prove pivotal. The former Everton and Norwich defender has made 93 Premier League appearances, bringing a wealth of top-flight knowledge to Ipswich.
Who Is Ben Godfrey?
Born on January 15, 1998, in York, Godfrey began his football journey with York City before joining Norwich City in 2016. A loan spell with Shrewsbury Town in 2017 helped him develop, and he returned to Norwich to become a first-team regular in the 2018/19 season. That year, he played a crucial role in helping the Canaries secure promotion to the Premier League, scoring four goals in 31 appearances.
Despite Norwich’s relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, Godfrey’s performances caught the attention of Everton, who signed him in the summer of 2020. At Goodison Park, he earned two England caps and made significant contributions to the team before moving to Atalanta in 2024. However, limited opportunities in Italy prompted his return to England with Ipswich Town.
What This Signing Means for Ipswich
Godfrey’s signing is a statement of intent from Ipswich Town as they seek to turn their season around. His arrival marks their first January transfer window acquisition, reflecting the club’s urgency to address their defensive frailties. Over his career, Godfrey has accumulated 112 appearances, 22 clean sheets, and three assists, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch.
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich’s manager, has spoken highly of Godfrey’s versatility and leadership qualities. With a challenging run of fixtures ahead, including critical Premier League games, Ipswich will hope Godfrey’s presence can provide the stability and experience needed to climb out of the relegation zone. For fans and players alike, his signing brings renewed hope and optimism for the remainder of the season.
