City academy graduate returns to Premier League with Ipswich Town
YORK’S Ben Godfrey has joined Ipswich Town on loan from Atalanta until the end of the season.
The City academy graduate returns to the Premier League after a barren spell with the Serie A high-fliers, whom he joined from Everton last summer for a fee in the region of £10 million.
Godfrey made his Atalanta debut in their UEFA Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid in August but has played just 22 minutes for the Nerazzuri in the Italian top-flight in a sole appearance against Lecce on the opening weekend.
The former Archbishop Holgate's pupil has also played just 17 minutes across two Champions League group stage matches, with his most recent appearance for the club coming in an Italy Cup round of 16 thrashing of Serie B side Cesena last month.
Having made just five appearances for Atalanta, he will be keen to hit the ground running again with Ipswich, where he will link up with York-born midfielder Jack Clarke.
Godfrey will join York-born midfielder Jack Clarke at Ipswich. (Image: PA) “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,” the 26-year-old told TownTV as he became the Tractor Boys’ first January signing.
“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.”
The two-time England international began his career with City, progressing through their academy before making his first-team debut against Yeovil at the age of 17.
He went on to play 15 times for his hometown club, securing a move to Norwich in 2016 before making the switch to Premier League side Everton, for whom he made 93 appearances, in 2020.
Godfrey in action for the Minstermen. (Image: Newsquest) Godfrey attended Ipswich’s 2-2 draw at Fulham yesterday, which they had led twice before Raúl Jiménez’s late penalty rescued a point for the hosts.
“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,” he continued.
“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.”
The Tang Hall-born defender could make his Ipswich debut in the third round of the FA Cup against Bristol Rovers on Sunday. They return to Premier League action against Brighton in 10 days’ time.
