Brands explains Godfrey was on Everton wish-list for two years
Marcel Brands has confirmed that Ben Godfrey had been on the transfer wish-list of Everton long before they signed the defender.
The 23-year old defender moved to Goodison Park from Norwich City last summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship, and he’s quickly become a vital player for Carlo Ancelotti.
Capable of playing anywhere across the backline, Godfrey has proven to be quite an asset under the Italian, playing through the middle and on both flanks throughout the current campaign.
Godfrey has arguably been one of the best signings of the season, and Brands recently credited the club’s scouting efforts in identifying him as a target.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Brands said: “Yeah he’s [Godfrey] been terrific.
“He was on our list already for two years, and when I had the discussion this summer with Carlo, the chairman and our owner we had to decide if we were looking for a centre-back on loan or if we want to buy.
“Our owner preferred to do a permanent, so Ben Godfrey was the first one on our list – and I think we did our homework well.”
Bargain recruitment
Godfrey wasn’t seen as the most exciting signing in the summer, especially when compared to Everton’s captures of James Rodriguez and Allan, but he’s arguably been Everton’s best.
He’s remained consistent throughout the campaign, both in his fitness and in his commitment to giving his all for the club, and he’s often performed when Everton have needed him most.
Godfrey is still just 23-years old, and given the ability that he has shown this season it isn’t a surprise that Everton would have had him on their radar for some time now. Not every target is guaranteed to be a success though, so Godfrey deserves credit for taking every opportunity to impress.
Going forward the Blues will hope that he continues to develop and improve playing under Ancelotti and playing alongside equally talented players.
As the Toffees target Champions League football, Godfrey could very well play a major role in achieving qualification in the upcoming seasons.
In other Everton news, Blues defender wanted by high-flying club but Brands sets £17m+ demand.
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