Leeds United is planning to rekindle their interest in signing Ben Godfrey at the end of the season, once his loan spell with Ipswich Town comes to an end. According to reports, the Whites will consider making a permanent transfer offer for the Atalanta loanee if they secure promotion to the Premier League for next season. Although Leeds was initially thought to be a potential destination for Godfrey, he has instead opted to join Ipswich on a short-term loan deal, a decision that seems to be in line with Daniel Farke’s transfer strategy in January.
Godfrey had left Everton for Atalanta in the summer, as part of a series of transfers that took place in the Premier League. At the time, the move seemed like a great opportunity for Godfrey to play Champions League football in Italy, after featuring only 16 times for Everton last season. However, things didn’t quite work out as planned, and Godfrey found himself playing a limited role for Atalanta. He has now returned to the Premier League, joining Ipswich on loan for the rest of the season, where he will help the team in their bid to avoid relegation.
The decision to join Ipswich on loan is likely to be a strategic one for Godfrey, as it will give him the opportunity to play regular football and gain valuable experience in the Premier League. Ipswich is currently struggling to avoid relegation, and Godfrey’s arrival will likely be a welcome boost to the team’s defense. However, it’s clear that Godfrey’s long-term future lies elsewhere, and Leeds United is still very much in the running to sign him.
Leeds is currently leading the Championship and is well-placed to secure a return to the top flight. The team’s current center-back partnership of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk has been performing well, but the club will likely need to bring in additional competition for the position if they are to succeed in the Premier League. Godfrey’s performances for Ipswich will be closely watched by Leeds, and his development will be monitored with interest.
It’s worth noting that Godfrey has previously impressed against Leeds, with Carlo Ancelotti describing him as “intelligent” after a display against the Whites in 2021. This suggests that Godfrey has the potential to be a top-class defender, and Leeds will likely be keen to sign him if they can. However, the club will need to weigh up their options and decide whether Godfrey is the right fit for their team.
In the summer, Leeds will reassess their options and consider making a permanent transfer offer for Godfrey, should they secure promotion to the Premier League. The club will need to consider a number of factors, including Godfrey’s performances for Ipswich, his overall ability, and his potential to fit in with the team’s style of play. If Leeds decides to make a move for Godfrey, it’s likely to be a significant one, with the club potentially willing to spend big to bring him to Elland Road.
The potential signing of Godfrey would be a major coup for Leeds, and would likely be seen as a statement of intent by the club. It would demonstrate that Leeds is serious about competing at the highest level, and is willing to invest in top-class talent to achieve its goals. However, it’s worth noting that the transfer market can be unpredictable, and there are no guarantees that Godfrey will ultimately join Leeds.
Despite this, Leeds will not give up on signing Godfrey, and will be keeping a close eye on his progress in the coming months. The club will be monitoring his performances for Ipswich, and will be assessing his suitability for the Premier League. If Godfrey continues to impress, it’s likely that Leeds will make a move for him in the summer, and the defender could potentially become a key player for the club in the years to come.
Overall, the situation with Godfrey is complex, and there are a number of factors at play. However, one thing is certain – Leeds United is still very much in the running to sign the defender, and will be doing everything in their power to bring him to Elland Road. The club’s fans will be watching with interest as the situation develops, and will be hoping that Godfrey ultimately becomes a Leeds player. With the transfer window set to open in the summer, it’s likely to be a busy few months for Leeds, and the club will be working hard to secure the signings it needs to compete at the highest level.