Sheffield United have completed the signing of defender Ben Godfrey on a season-long loan from Serie A side, Atalanta.
The York-born defender has made his return to his place of birth, almost ten years after his exit from York City.
The Blades were short of quality and quantity in their back-line going in to the season and was further highlighted by an opening day four-one thrashing by Bristol City.
After the sale of Anel Ahmehodzic, Sheffield United were likely in the market for a replacement and now one has been obtained.
Godfrey completes Sheffield United switch
As confirmed via a statement on the club’s website, Sheffield United have completed the signing of defender Ben Godfrey.
The Englishman joins on a season long loan from Atalanta, who he joined last summer. There is no option to buy that has been made known by the club.
Experience through the door
Godfrey brings much needed experience to the Blades defence, following the exit of Ahmehodzic. He has two senior England caps to his name, after making his Three Lions debut in 2021.
He picked up a Championship title winners medal during his debut campaign in 2019 and was snapped up at the end of the following campaign by Premier League side Everton in a £20 million deal.
The defender made just under 100 appearances for the Toffees before making the switch to Atalanta last summer. However, the transfer didn’t quite go according to plan and he was loaned back to England with Ipswich Town for the second half of last season.
The 27-year-old registered just five appearances back in England for Kieran McKenna‘s side but wasn’t able to keep them in the Premier League.
Is this a good signing for the Blades?
Godfrey needs minutes this season and a drop to the Championship could provide that. After failing to make an impact in Bergamo and at Ipswich, the defender will likely be looking to get his confidence back up.
It’s a win-win situation for Ruben Selles. He gets a quality centre back and Godfrey gets a club where he can cement himself as a consistent starter.