Ben Godfrey tells Everton his five top assets as defender seals £26m deal

Everton have confirmed the signing of Ben Godfrey from Norwich on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £26m.

The Canaries announced they had received a club-record fee for the 22-year-old, whose new deal ties him to Everton until the end of June 2025.

While the deal went through as ‘undisclosed’, widespread reports say Everton will pay £20m up front and a further £6m in add-ons.

Godfrey made 30 appearances for relegated Norwich in the Premier League last season. He had been linked to a number of top-flight clubs this transfer window.

“It is an honour to sign for Everton and to be part of a huge club,” Godfrey told the club website.

““I am very thankful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.

“The aim for me at Everton is to win trophies and win games. As a player I like to win. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I care and I am a passionate lad.

“The fans can guarantee they will get 110 per cent out of me when I am on the pitch.”

“This is a club full of history that has an exciting team full of world-class players who will help me kick on to the next level. I am looking forward to working with them. Hopefully, I’ll have great times with Everton Football Club.”

Godfrey admits Ancelotti appeal

Godfrey admitted the chance to join Everton was sold to him by both Carlo Ancelotti and director of football Marcel Brands.

The England U21 defender, however, was keen to stress why playing for Ancelotti is a big appeal.

“Carlo Ancelotti, Marcel Brands and the Board want success for the Club. It’s really exciting to be here,” he added.

“The manager’s past speaks for itself. He has worked with some top-class centre-backs. I will be able to learn so much from him. He is going to help me get to that next level and that’s where I want to be.”

The centre-back completed a medical with the Premier League leaders over the weekend. The the deal was officially announced on Monday morning.

Godfrey had joined Norwich from non-league side York City in 2016 on his 18th birthday. He has captained England Under-21s.

York have a 10% sell-on clause so can expect to gain a £2.6m windfall from Godfrey’s transfer.