The York-born dynamo appeared to be a worthy acquisition when Carlo Ancelotti signed him back in 2020, having previously starred for his previous employers Norwich City, both in the second division and in the Premier League.
Godfrey commanded a cost of £20 million, joining the likes of James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure in being signed at Goodison Park during that summer window.
Since then, the former Canaries defender has made 79 appearances on Merseyside’s blue half since his capture in 2020, hindered by injury issues and a lack of consistency in the Toffees first team.
That has sadly continued during Sean Dyche’s ten-month stay at the club, with the 25-year-old defender now an afterthought, more than two years after being hailed as one of the best young defenders of his position and handed his England debut in June 2021.
It’s so unfortunate to see a player as talented as Godfrey fall so gracefully in such a short time and that’s certainly resulted from a lack of opportunities and confidence.
With only two years left on his current Merseyside contract, there were even suggestions over the summer (The Times, 1 June) that Dyche and co might be willing to allow the one-time Shrewsbury Town loanee leave due to his tumble down the pecking order.
While Godfrey eventually stayed, with the departures of Conor Coady, Yerry Mina, and Mason Holgate, the £4m-rated man has found himself on the perimeter this season, with Jarrad Branthwaite now a merited fixture in the team.
Godfrey has only appeared in two games this season, and it’s unclear when he’ll make another under Dyche’s coaching, even if Everton suffers an injury to one of James Tarkowski or Martin Brathwaite.
Dyche would always prefer Michael Keane to Godfrey, confirming that the 25-year-old is now a forgotten man at Goodison Park.
Given that he is now entering the most crucial years of his career, it is not surprising that Godfrey will implore Dyche to allow him depart during the January window. It’s likely the smartest option he can make for his floundering career right now.
In other Everton news, following the latest transfer news, prospective new Everton owners 777 Partners may sanction one senior Goodison Park exit in January.
