- Ben Godfrey has joined Ipswich Town on loan for the rest of the season
- Various Premier League clubs were interested in signing the defender on loan
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Ipswich Town have confirmed the loan signing of Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey.
The former Everton and Norwich defender will link up with Kieran McKenna‘s men for the rest of the season.
Godfrey told Ipswich’s official website: ‘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 have really enjoyed speaking to the manager (Kieran McKenna) and to have the opportunity to work under him now is something I’m very excited about. 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.
‘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.’
Godfrey joined Atalanta for around £11million over the summer but has only made one substitute appearance in Serie A and five in all competitions.
Defender Ben Godfrey has joined Everton on loan from Atalanta for the rest of the season
Kieran McKenna is looking to boost his defensive options for the Premier League drop battle
The 26-year-old will be looking to recover the form that saw him earn two England caps in 2021. Nottingham Forest and Wolves were also understood to be interested.
Godfrey has extensive Premier League experience from his time at Everton and Norwich and this was a key attraction.
Ipswich, who drew 2-2 away to Fulham on Sunday, are currently in 18th place in the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys have also made enquiries for Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene and have seen a £16m bid for Liverpool’s Ben Doak rejected.
Scotland international Doak has been impressing on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough which has put him on the wishlist of Premier League and European sides.
However, the level of offers have so far fallen well short of Liverpool’s valuation.
Liverpool, though, believe he is worth much more than the £15m and £16m fees presented by Palace and Ipswich, and would demand around £25m for Doak.
