Premier League leaders Everton have paid a reported fee of £25million for the services of talented Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey.
Despite the Canaries suffering relegation from the top-flight last term, the 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign and has now penned a five-year contract for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
He told Everton’s website: “I have been on an upwards journey and now I have taken the step of making the move to Everton. It is great and it is an honour.
“You want to be part of a huge club like Everton. It is a club full of history. It has world-class players. I am looking forward to working with them and, hopefully, having a successful time at this club.
“Success for me is trophies and winning games – I like to win. My next target is to break into Everton’s first team and be a regular player. I am absolutely ready and raring to go.”
Godfrey began his professional career as an apprentice at York City, featuring 15 times for the first team during his second year and earning a January 2016 move to Norwich on his 18th birthday.
The England youth international was named LFE League Two Apprentice of the Year three months later, recognising his outstanding achievements as a player and student.
After a successful loan spell with Shrewsbury Town, Godfrey became a crucial cog of Norwich’s defence as they were crowned 2018-19 Sky Bet Championship winners, while he eventually amassed 78 appearances for the Canaries, including 30 outings in the Premier League last season.
“I am looking forward to working with the manager and I am sure he can help me reach the next level and teach me endless amounts in the game,” said Godfrey. “He has worked with some top class centre-backs and it is going to be great to play under him.
“I will be able to learn so much from him and he is going to help me reach that next level, which is where I want to be.
“I briefly spoke to Seamus Coleman after a game when I played against Everton for Norwich. He seems like a top guy and I am sure I can pick up plenty of things from him.
“I can learn from Michael Keane and Yerry Mina. Competition is healthy… it is good to have that battle for your spot. It can only make you a better player.
“I like to bring pace to the game and to play out from the back. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I care. I am a passionate lad. I set my own personal goals and, hopefully, will have plenty of success while I am at Everton Football Club.
“It is an exciting team to watch. They have got off to a great start and long may that continue. Working with the manager and staff and players here, it is going to be a great place for me to come and learn and, hopefully, have great times.
“It is a pleasure and an honour to be here. I am very thankful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”
