Ben Godfrey: A good Ahmedhodzic replacement? | OneFootball

Anel Ahmedhodzic’s seemingly quick departure from Bramall Lane to Feyenoord has left the Blades in need of a replacement.

An early name that has emerged from Sky Sports is Ben Godfrey. The Atalanta defender, 27, was on loan at Ipswich Town last season but now could be on his way to Bramall Lane. Subsequently, Pete O’Rourke has reported the Blades move for Godfrey is likely to be a loan.

Here’s a look at his career so far and what he could offer the Blades.

Starting in York

When you think of Godfrey’s beginnings you likely think of Norwich City. But he started out in the academies of Middlesbrough and York City. The York born centre-back made 15 appearances and scored once for York City in 2015-2016. 12 of those appearances came in EFL League Two.

Joining the Canaries

On 15 January 2016, Godfrey arrived in Norfolk joining Norwich City. He signed an initial three and a half year deal. He would have to wait until August the same year for his debut against Coventry City in the EFL Cup.

Godfrey made six appearances, two in the Championship in 2016-2017. Before heading out on loan to Shrewsbury Town for the following season.

For Shrewsbury, Godfrey played 51 times scoring once. A highlight of his time at Shrewsbury was getting a runners up medal in the EFL Trophy. Godfrey was denied a winner’s medal by a goal from Blades’ academy graduate Elliot Whitehouse whose goal won the game for Lincoln City.

He returned to Norwich City and became a first-team regular as the Canaries gained promotion in 2018-2019. He managed four goals and two assists in 31 Championship games. As Norwich moved up to the Premier League, Godfrey maintained his place. He picked up 30 Premier League appearances as Norwich went down without much of a fight.

The Toffees

In the strange transfer month of October 2020 that saw Rhian Brewster sign for the Blades. Ben Godfrey headed to Everton joining the Toffees on the same day as Robin Olsen.

Godfrey got another 31 Premier League games under his belt in 2020-2021 as Everton finished 10th under Ancelotti. He was awarded for his efforts with Everton’s Young Player of the Year award.

After that he helped Everton making 51 Premier League appearances over the next three seasons as the Toffees battled through three relegation fights.

Heading to Italy

On 28 June 2024, Godfrey left Everton for Atalanta for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £11 million.

Godfrey made five appearances, two in the Champions League before being loaned out to Norwich City’s rivals Ipswich Town in January 2025.

Canary to Tractor Boy

Godfrey made the move across the East Anglian Derby divide. Although, his game time was very limited as he made three Premier League and two FA Cup appearances in total. Ultimately, his addition wasn’t enough as Ipswich suffered relegation back to the Championship.

Statistically last season

Whilst, there’s only 159 minutes of football to go off of last season in the Premier League. In the minutes, he did play Godfrey was fairly good statistically.

He won 100% of his aerial duels and 66.7% of his duels although the percentiles are inflated by the lack of minutes.

His passing accuracy at just 82% placed him among the 13th percentile one of the worst passing defenders in the Premier League. Although, this stat is also impacted by the limited game time.

At six foot, Godfrey isn’t small but is five inches smaller than Anel Ahmedhodzic worth noting if he’s supposed to be a like for like replacement. Although, he is taller than Jack Robinson.

Takeaways

Ultimately, the reports that it could be a loan are slightly concerning but also aren’t the worst news either. It’s fair to say the club could do with some permanent additions to give the squad a level of consistency going forward into future seasons. Although, in this case, Godfrey’s lack of game time last season puts him in the boat Rob Holding was in. If Godfrey comes in on loan he has chance to prove himself. If he’s so successful as to get the Blades up, there’s a chance to go in for him next summer.

For whatever reason, if he comes in and he and the club aren’t a fit. Then, there’s less risk in the signing.

He brings a wealth of Championship and considerable Premier League experience. As well as knowledge of how to get promoted to the Premier League. An asset few in the Blades’ current squad possess. If he signs and then another centre-back is brought in permanently then there are far worse options than Godfrey on loan. But getting at least two permanent senior team centre backs Robinson and another addition is essential before the window closes.