New Toffee Ben aiming to ‘win trophies’ at Everton
EVERTON have signed centre-back Ben Godfrey from Norwich for an initial £25million and allowed Theo Walcott to return to his first club Southampton on loan.
The Canaries yesterday announced they had received a club-record fee for the 22-year-old Godfrey, who has signed a Toffees contract until 2025.
Godfrey made 30 appearances for relegated Norwich in the Premier League last season, and had been linked with a number of topflight clubs this transfer window.
‘It is an honour to sign for Everton and to be part of a huge club. I can’t wait to get started,’ said the England Under-21 international.
‘The aim for me at Everton is to win trophies and win games. I like to win. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I care and I am a passionate lad.
‘The fans can guarantee they will get 110 per cent out of me when I am on the pitch.’
Despite seeing his side win their first four
The manager’s worked with some top-class centre-backs and I’ll be able to learn so much from him
Premier League games to top the table, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti wanted to increase his options in defence following injuries to Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Godfrey – who will this week be on international duty for Euro 2021 qualifiers against Andorra and Turkey – said: ‘The manager’s past speaks for itself.
‘He has worked with some top-class centrebacks. I will be able to learn so much from him and he is going to help me get to that next level, which is where I want to be.’
Godfrey’s move means a windfall for former club York City, who sold him to Norwich for £150,000 in 2016. A ten per cent sell-on clause means they are set to receive £2.5m.
Meanwhile, 31-year-old winger Walcott admitted to feeling emotional at returning to Southampton almost 15 years after the 31year-old left to join Arsenal.
‘I had a few opportunities from other clubs but as soon as Southampton came in for me, it’s part of me and made me into the player I am. It’s in my heart,’ said Walcott, who has won 47 England caps.
‘I will probably cry, I bet, when I first play and it means so much. I was seriously lost for words when Southampton came on the table and for me it was such an easy decision.’